Wightlink is funding 100 school children to experience the D-Day Story

At least 800 schoolchildren will get to experience Portsmouth City Council’s D-Day Story museum for free, thanks to generous sponsorship.

BAE Systems, Portsmouth Grammar School, Lockheed Martin and Wightlink Isle of Wight Ferries are the first to join the museum’s sponsorship programme.

2024 marks 80 years since D-Day and the Normandy landings and thorough the museum’s education programme, thousands of Portsmouth children will learn about this historic event and the major role the city played during the Second World War.

The school visits inspire children through authentic object handling, interactive displays throughout the museum and the opportunity to step on board the last surviving landing craft tank that took part in D-Day. With an ambitious target of securing funding for 10,000 visits, Portsmouth City Council is calling for more businesses to join its sponsorship programme.

Portsmouth Grammar School, Lockheed Martin and Wightlink are all generously sponsoring £3,500 to each enable 100 free visits, taking the total funded places to 800 so far.

David Williams, Head of Marketing at Wightlink, said: “We’re honoured to support the D-Day 80 Educational Programme to ensure that the stories of veterans are shared with the young people of Portsmouth. Our partnership will provide funding for 100 school children to engage in a meaningful learning experience at the museum throughout 2024. By facilitating this educational journey, we’ll help people remember the sacrifices of those who took part in the operation and foster a sense of connection between generations, which aligns perfectly with our values at Wightlink.”

Cllr Steve Pitt, Portsmouth City Council Leader, added: “It’s so important that our children hear the personal accounts of those who fought and made such great sacrifices, so their stories are passed down and aren’t forgotten. We are so grateful to all each of the sponsors who’ve already come forward, and I hope this is just the start so thousands more Portsmouth children get the opportunity to visit our fantastic museum.”

For further details about events commemorating the 80th anniversary of D-Day and the Normandy landings please visit D-Day 80 – The D-Day Story website.