TO mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day, two events are being held in Powys next month, including one in Builth Wells – a town closely linked to a civilian heroine who was a World War II secret agent.

Over the first weekend in August, fundraising concerts will be taking place in Builth Wells and Hay-on-Wye, with a third in Hereford.

The Surrey Police Band, under the direction of former Army musician Graham Atterbury, is making a welcome return to the area for the first time since 2021, when they performed to mark the centenary of the Royal British Legion.

OTHER NEWS: 

This year, they will be joined by singers and dancers to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day and the ensuing liberation of the occupied countries of Europe, during which many thousands of service men and women, as well as civilians, paid the ultimate sacrifice.

One of those civilians was Violette Szabo, who, as a Special Operations Executive (SOE) agent, went into France on June 7, 1944, on just her second mission, but was captured three days later. She, along with two other SOE agents, Denise Block and Lilian Rolfe, was executed in early 1945.

Violette, as a child, had a close link with the area and her daughter Tania has lived just outside Builth for many years. Tania will pay her own tribute to her mother at these concerts.

Violette Szabo's daughter Tania, pictured with Builth mayor Mark Hammond and Cllr Alison Lewis at an event in Builth last year, where a painting of Violette was gifted by its artist, Janet Fitzpatrick. (Image: Builth Wells Town Council)Violette Szabo's daughter Tania, pictured with Builth mayor Mark Hammond and Cllr Alison Lewis at an event in Builth last year, where a painting of Violette was gifted by its artist, Janet Fitzpatrick. (Image: Builth Wells Town Council)

With a 1940s vibe, you will enjoy many favourites of the time and be entertained by, among others, the Vintage Class Singers, professional dancers Steve and Sue Mace and the wonderful young soprano Lauren Elizabeth Williams, of the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama.

Organisers are also looking forward to welcoming guests such as pensioners of the Royal Hospital, Chelsea, the Royal British Legion and the Association Standard Bearers, not to mention the ‘Queen Mum’ and of course ‘Winston Churchill’.

The first concert takes place on Friday, August 2, at St Martin’s Church, Ross Road, Hereford (in aid of SSAFA). On Saturday, August 3, Builth’s Strand Hall will play host, with the event being held in aid of Builth Wells Community Support; while on Sunday, August 4, there will be a concert at St Mary’s Church, Hay, in aid of and to celebrate 30 years of Hay Dial-a-Ride.

All concerts will start at 2pm, with tickets priced at £10 and which be purchased on the day at the venues.

Tickets for the concert in Builth can also be purchased in advance from Builth Wells Community Support, by calling 01982 553004 or email info@builthcs.co.uk.  

For more information contact Kelvyn Jenkins, concert organiser, on 07527 696968, or Graham Atterbury, director of music, via email on md@surreypoliceband.org.uk.