A SPECIAL D-Day 80th anniversary event with army vehicles and 1940s singers and dancers is set to be held in Southend today.

Southend Council has called upon the community to come together at The Victoria Centre from 9am to 4.30pm today.

The event, to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day, features a showcase of allied WW2 uniforms, equipment, weapons, a 25 Pdr field gun, vehicles, and re-enactment by civilian/military girls and guys.

Cadets, veteran associations and 1940s themed singers and dancers will also add to the significant atmosphere.

This comes after a beacon was lit at Southend's 103-year-old cenotaph by veterans, residents, and councillors on Thursday, marking D-Day.

The council said: "Come along and enjoy this very special event that shows thanks to yesterday's heroes".

The event is an opportunity for Southend to remember the heroic Allied forces who crossed the English Channel to storm the beaches of Normandy 80 years ago, marking a pivotal moment in the fight for freedom during the Second World War.