Giant beach artwork created in Northumberland to mark D-Day anniversary
A spectacular artwork on Boulmer beach helped shine a spotlight on the work of a leading armed forces charity to mark the 82nd anniversary of D-Day.
The large-scale sand mural combined the Soldiers', Sailors' & Airmen's Families Association (SSAFA) logo with the crest and motto of RAF Boulmer – forming the centrepiece of a unique commemorative event which brought together serving personnel, veterans, military families, volunteers and supporters ahead of Saturday’s anniversary.
The artwork provided a striking visual reminder of the service and sacrifice of armed forces members past and present, while also reflecting the close partnership between SSAFA Northumberland and RAF Boulmer.
It was also aimed at highlighting the support SSAFA provides across the entire armed forces community.
As the incoming tide gradually reclaimed the artwork, it provided a poignant reminder that, while monuments and memorials may fade, the service and sacrifice they represent should never be forgotten.
Invited guests watched the artwork take shape before a joint choir – made up of The Military Wives Choir and the Allstar Choirs - performed a series of moving pieces including music inspired by the Band of Brothers theme, Requiem to a Soldier and Elgar’s Nimrod.
Caroline Pryer, Lord Lieutenant of Northumberland and chair of SSAFA Northumberland, said: “This event was a wonderful way to recognise the service and sacrifice made by our armed forces community while highlighting the vital support SSAFA provides across Northumberland and beyond.
“SSAFA is the only tri-service charity to offer lifelong practical, emotional and financial support to serving personnel, veterans and their families.
"Events like this help ensure people know that no one should battle alone and that support is available whenever it is needed.”
Martin Dickson, chair of SSAFA’s serving community volunteer team at RAF Boulmer, said: “The Boulmer Beach commemoration event brought people together to reflect on the contribution of our armed forces community.
“The artwork created a powerful focal point for remembrance ahead of Saturday’s D-Day anniversary.
"As we finished the artwork, weather conditions deteriorated and it did rain, however this forced us to reflect on the conditions that D-Day service personnel would have faced.”
The event was delivered by SSAFA Northumberland in partnership with RAF Boulmer’s SSAFA serving community team – guided by sand art company Soul2Sand.