Blackpool hosted a number of special events to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day on Thursday.br br Local residents and visitors were invited to take part in a series of events as the town came together to honour the remarkable bravery and sacrifices of those who played a crucial role in the historic Allied invasion of Normandy during World War II.br br The evening began with "Shadows in the Sand", a touching tribute to the heroes of World War II.br br Participants created powerful sand art using stencils to portray life-sized soldiers on the beach at Tower Festival Headland.br br Hundreds then watched as the images gradually faded with the tide, symbolising our remembrance of these extraordinary individuals.