D-Day Family Weekend

On 6 June 1944, HMS Belfast reportedly fired the first shots on D-Day, the most significant campaign fought by the western Allies during the Second World War. To mark the 70th anniversary of this historic event, families are invited to take part in a weekend of D-Day themed activities on board HMS Belfast.

Receive your mission as you board The Ship and search for clues around The Ship to learn about HMS Belfast's role in the D-Day campaign. Discover how sailors communicated at sea by simulating Morse code messages and watch our live radio team in action as they send messages across the globe from the ship's Bridge Wireless Office. Immerse yourself in the midst of a battle during the Second World War with the Gun Turret Experience, then step up to the roll of Captain and direct your own fleet on a convoy mission from the Operations Room, the nerve centre of the ship.

Drop-in at one of our free family activities – or both! Get messy at the Making Medals workshop and create your own plaster cast medal to commemorate servicemen and women who took part in Operation Overlord. If you're feeling more artistic, impress your friends and family at Tattoo T-Shirts by designing your very own t-shirt, inspired by traditional Navy tattoos, to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of D-Day.