Event schedule
Check out the event schedule and discover what we have prepared for you.
SUNDAY, 16 AUGUST 2026
The D-Day Hel event will begin with a ceremonial flag-raising – a symbolic moment that introduces visitors to the atmosphere of the events of the past and pays tribute to the Allied soldiers.
The flags of five nations that played a key role in Operation Overlord will be raised: the Republic of Poland, the United States of America, the United Kingdom, the French Republic and Canada.
It is a unique moment of unity, remembrance and respect – a moment when history comes alive before our eyes. The ceremony marks not only the official opening of the event but also invites everyone to join this extraordinary journey through time.
The flags of five nations that played a key role in Operation Overlord will be raised: the Republic of Poland, the United States of America, the United Kingdom, the French Republic and Canada.
It is a unique moment of unity, remembrance and respect – a moment when history comes alive before our eyes. The ceremony marks not only the official opening of the event but also invites everyone to join this extraordinary journey through time.
Witness a unique parade of military vehicles and historical reenactment groups dressed in World War II uniforms.
The streets of Hel will be filled with original and restored vehicles that are usually seen only in museums. It is a unique opportunity to see World War II equipment and uniforms from the 1940s up close.
The reenactors will recreate the atmosphere of wartime Europe, paying attention to historical authenticity and every detail. The parade is also a great opportunity for photography and meeting history enthusiasts from around the world.
The streets of Hel will be filled with original and restored vehicles that are usually seen only in museums. It is a unique opportunity to see World War II equipment and uniforms from the 1940s up close.
The reenactors will recreate the atmosphere of wartime Europe, paying attention to historical authenticity and every detail. The parade is also a great opportunity for photography and meeting history enthusiasts from around the world.
The concert by “Częstochowa Pipes & Drums” is a unique musical performance featuring traditional Scottish melodies performed on the Great Highland Bagpipes, accompanied by drums.
For over two decades, the band has performed in Poland and abroad, becoming known for combining music, military-style formations and historical uniforms inspired by the traditions of the British Army.
The audience at the Seaside Boulevard stage can expect an energetic performance that perfectly captures the atmosphere of D-Day Hel, recalling Allied military traditions and the culture of the nations that fought for the freedom of Europe.
For over two decades, the band has performed in Poland and abroad, becoming known for combining music, military-style formations and historical uniforms inspired by the traditions of the British Army.
The audience at the Seaside Boulevard stage can expect an energetic performance that perfectly captures the atmosphere of D-Day Hel, recalling Allied military traditions and the culture of the nations that fought for the freedom of Europe.
MONDAY, 17 AUGUST 2026
Historical camps will be created in Hel by reenactment groups presenting different sides of the Second World War conflict – the Allied forces, the Axis powers and the French Resistance.
The largest part of the historical dioramas will be located along Kuracyjna Street, leading towards the beach at Hel Cape. Additional displays and historical positions will be available near the Fishing Museum and in the town centre.
The largest part of the historical dioramas will be located along Kuracyjna Street, leading towards the beach at Hel Cape. Additional displays and historical positions will be available near the Fishing Museum and in the town centre.
A presentation of historic bicycles from the Second World War period combined with a special play area for children.
It is a great opportunity to discover the means of transport used in the 1940s and spend time surrounded by the atmosphere of the era through educational games and activities for the youngest visitors.
It is a great opportunity to discover the means of transport used in the 1940s and spend time surrounded by the atmosphere of the era through educational games and activities for the youngest visitors.
This presentation explores the history of the development of the American automotive industry during the 1940s and its crucial role during the Second World War.
Visitors will learn how the largest automobile companies in the United States transformed their production for wartime needs, manufacturing thousands of military vehicles, trucks and specialised equipment for the Allied armies.
The presentation offers an insight into American industrial mobilisation, which became one of the key elements of the Allied victory. It will present the war not only from the perspective of the battlefield, but also through the lens of factories, technology and the people whose daily work supported the war effort.
Visitors will learn how the largest automobile companies in the United States transformed their production for wartime needs, manufacturing thousands of military vehicles, trucks and specialised equipment for the Allied armies.
The presentation offers an insight into American industrial mobilisation, which became one of the key elements of the Allied victory. It will present the war not only from the perspective of the battlefield, but also through the lens of factories, technology and the people whose daily work supported the war effort.
Witness a unique parade of military vehicles and historical reenactment groups dressed in World War II uniforms.
The streets of Hel will be filled with original and restored vehicles that are usually seen only in museums. It is a unique opportunity to see World War II equipment and uniforms from the 1940s up close.
The reenactors will recreate the atmosphere of wartime Europe, paying attention to historical authenticity and every detail. The parade is also a great opportunity for photography and meeting history enthusiasts.
The streets of Hel will be filled with original and restored vehicles that are usually seen only in museums. It is a unique opportunity to see World War II equipment and uniforms from the 1940s up close.
The reenactors will recreate the atmosphere of wartime Europe, paying attention to historical authenticity and every detail. The parade is also a great opportunity for photography and meeting history enthusiasts.
This lecture will focus on one of the most dramatic episodes of Operation Overlord – the landing of American forces on Omaha Beach on 6 June 1944.
Special attention will be given to the role of the US Army Rangers, who carried out their mission at Pointe du Hoc, as well as the American infantrymen who fought under extremely difficult conditions to break through the German defences on Omaha Beach.
Participants will also learn about the role of US Army tank battalions, whose vehicles were intended to support the infantry advance and help secure a foothold on the Normandy coast. The lecture will present the course of the fighting, soldiers’ equipment and the challenges faced by American troops during the first hours of one of the most important military operations in history.
Special attention will be given to the role of the US Army Rangers, who carried out their mission at Pointe du Hoc, as well as the American infantrymen who fought under extremely difficult conditions to break through the German defences on Omaha Beach.
Participants will also learn about the role of US Army tank battalions, whose vehicles were intended to support the infantry advance and help secure a foothold on the Normandy coast. The lecture will present the course of the fighting, soldiers’ equipment and the challenges faced by American troops during the first hours of one of the most important military operations in history.
A unique opportunity to step into the events of June 1944 and experience history in a completely new way.
Using virtual reality technology, visitors will be able to see the realities of the Allied landings in Normandy, experience the atmosphere of the battlefield and view historical events from the perspective of the soldiers who took part in one of the largest military operations in history.
The VR experience combines modern technology with historical education, helping visitors better understand the scale of Operation Overlord and the challenges faced by soldiers during the liberation of Europe. It is an attraction suitable both for history enthusiasts and for those discovering the events of the Second World War for the first time.
Using virtual reality technology, visitors will be able to see the realities of the Allied landings in Normandy, experience the atmosphere of the battlefield and view historical events from the perspective of the soldiers who took part in one of the largest military operations in history.
The VR experience combines modern technology with historical education, helping visitors better understand the scale of Operation Overlord and the challenges faced by soldiers during the liberation of Europe. It is an attraction suitable both for history enthusiasts and for those discovering the events of the Second World War for the first time.
TUESDAY, 18 AUGUST 2026
Historical camps prepared by reenactment groups will be established throughout Hel, presenting different sides of the conflict during the Second World War – Allied forces, Axis powers and the French Resistance.
The largest part of the historical dioramas will be located along Kuracyjna Street, leading towards the beach at the Hel Peninsula Cape. Additional displays and positions will be available near the Fisheries Museum and in the town centre.
The largest part of the historical dioramas will be located along Kuracyjna Street, leading towards the beach at the Hel Peninsula Cape. Additional displays and positions will be available near the Fisheries Museum and in the town centre.
A presentation of historic bicycles from the Second World War period combined with a special play and activity area for children.
It is a unique opportunity to discover the means of transport used in the past and spend time surrounded by the atmosphere of the 1940s.
It is a unique opportunity to discover the means of transport used in the past and spend time surrounded by the atmosphere of the 1940s.
The lecture will focus on the actions of the Polish Navy during the Polish Campaign of 1939. Participants will learn about naval operations in the Baltic Sea and along the Polish coast, the role of warships, coastal artillery and the Coastal Defence Forces in the face of German aggression.
The presentation will also introduce the stories of Polish sailors, their daily service and the importance of the defence of Hel – the last point of resistance on the Polish coast. It will be an opportunity to learn about the people who remained faithful to their oath and determinedly defended the Polish coast during September 1939.
The presentation will also introduce the stories of Polish sailors, their daily service and the importance of the defence of Hel – the last point of resistance on the Polish coast. It will be an opportunity to learn about the people who remained faithful to their oath and determinedly defended the Polish coast during September 1939.
A performance dedicated to the extraordinary story of Wojtek the bear – the mascot and soldier of the 2nd Polish Corps commanded by General Władysław Anders.
The show tells the story of a young bear adopted by Polish soldiers in the Middle East, who travelled with them along the military trail and became a symbol of friendship, courage and wartime brotherhood.
This unique story brings to children and adults one of the most remarkable episodes connected with the Polish Armed Forces during the Second World War. Combining historical education with elements of theatre, the performance shows that even in the most difficult times of war there was still room for friendship, mutual support and humanity.
The show tells the story of a young bear adopted by Polish soldiers in the Middle East, who travelled with them along the military trail and became a symbol of friendship, courage and wartime brotherhood.
This unique story brings to children and adults one of the most remarkable episodes connected with the Polish Armed Forces during the Second World War. Combining historical education with elements of theatre, the performance shows that even in the most difficult times of war there was still room for friendship, mutual support and humanity.
The presentation will focus on the heroic defence of Hel in September 1939 – one of the longest-lasting episodes of the Polish defensive campaign.
Participants will learn about the soldiers of the Coastal Defence Forces, who resisted the much larger German forces for several weeks, defending the strategic importance of the Hel Peninsula.
The presentation will cover the course of the fighting, the daily service of the defenders and the role of fortifications and coastal artillery in protecting the Polish coast. It is a story of determination, sacrifice and courage of the soldiers who wrote one of the most important chapters in the history of Hel in September 1939.
Participants will learn about the soldiers of the Coastal Defence Forces, who resisted the much larger German forces for several weeks, defending the strategic importance of the Hel Peninsula.
The presentation will cover the course of the fighting, the daily service of the defenders and the role of fortifications and coastal artillery in protecting the Polish coast. It is a story of determination, sacrifice and courage of the soldiers who wrote one of the most important chapters in the history of Hel in September 1939.
An extraordinary journey through time that allows participants to see the Hel Peninsula and its fortifications from the 1939 defensive campaign from a completely new perspective.
Thanks to virtual reality technology, visitors will be able to enter the Hel Fortified Area and discover the history of the battles fought by the Polish defenders of the coast during the German attack in September 1939.
The VR presentation will highlight the importance of Hel’s fortifications, artillery positions and the daily service of the Coastal Defence Forces, who defended this strategic location for many weeks. The combination of modern technology and history will help visitors better understand the scale of the defensive preparations and the dramatic events that took place on the Hel Peninsula at the beginning of the Second World War.
Thanks to virtual reality technology, visitors will be able to enter the Hel Fortified Area and discover the history of the battles fought by the Polish defenders of the coast during the German attack in September 1939.
The VR presentation will highlight the importance of Hel’s fortifications, artillery positions and the daily service of the Coastal Defence Forces, who defended this strategic location for many weeks. The combination of modern technology and history will help visitors better understand the scale of the defensive preparations and the dramatic events that took place on the Hel Peninsula at the beginning of the Second World War.
WEDNESDAY, 19 AUGUST 2026
The lecture will present the lesser-known stories of Poles serving in the ranks of the French Foreign Legion during World War II and in the post-war period. Participants will learn about the history of soldiers who, after the fall of France in 1940, faced dramatic choices and a changing political situation, continuing the fight alongside the Allies or finding their place within the structures of the French armed forces.
The meeting will also present the participation of Poles in battles fought by the Foreign Legion, their wartime experiences, and the difficult post-war reality when many of them could not or did not wish to return to their homeland. The lecture will provide an opportunity to discover the stories of people whose wartime paths connected Poland, France, and the tradition of one of the world’s most famous military formations.
The meeting will also present the participation of Poles in battles fought by the Foreign Legion, their wartime experiences, and the difficult post-war reality when many of them could not or did not wish to return to their homeland. The lecture will provide an opportunity to discover the stories of people whose wartime paths connected Poland, France, and the tradition of one of the world’s most famous military formations.
Historical camps prepared by reenactment groups will be established throughout Hel, presenting different sides of the conflict during the Second World War – Allied forces, Axis powers and the French Resistance.
The largest part of the historical dioramas will be located along Kuracyjna Street, leading towards the beach at the Hel Peninsula Cape. Additional displays and positions will be available near the Fisheries Museum and in the town centre.
The largest part of the historical dioramas will be located along Kuracyjna Street, leading towards the beach at the Hel Peninsula Cape. Additional displays and positions will be available near the Fisheries Museum and in the town centre.
A presentation of historic bicycles from the Second World War period combined with a special play and activity area for children.
It is a unique opportunity to discover the means of transport used in the past and spend time surrounded by the atmosphere of the 1940s.
It is a unique opportunity to discover the means of transport used in the past and spend time surrounded by the atmosphere of the 1940s.
The presentation will focus on vehicles used by German forces during the defence of the Atlantic Wall and the fighting on the Western Front in 1944–1945. Visitors will have the opportunity to see historic military vehicles up close and learn about their purpose, equipment, and role in defensive operations against the Allied invasion.
The presentation will also discuss the organisation of German units, their means of transport, and the challenges faced by soldiers defending the occupied European coastline. It will be an opportunity to explore the history of military equipment from the perspective of technology, logistics, and the realities of the World War II Western Front.
The presentation will also discuss the organisation of German units, their means of transport, and the challenges faced by soldiers defending the occupied European coastline. It will be an opportunity to explore the history of military equipment from the perspective of technology, logistics, and the realities of the World War II Western Front.
The lecture will focus on the participation of the Independent Highland Brigade, as well as Polish sailors and airmen, in the Norwegian Campaign of 1940. Participants will learn about the course of the battles of Narvik – the first Allied offensive against Nazi Germany – and the importance of the Polish contribution to the capture of the town and surrounding hills.
The meeting will present the realities of fighting in harsh Arctic conditions, the weapons and equipment used by Polish soldiers, and their cooperation with Allied forces. It will be a story of the courage and sacrifice of Polish troops whose victory at Narvik became one of the first Allied successes of World War II.
The meeting will present the realities of fighting in harsh Arctic conditions, the weapons and equipment used by Polish soldiers, and their cooperation with Allied forces. It will be a story of the courage and sacrifice of Polish troops whose victory at Narvik became one of the first Allied successes of World War II.
Experience a unique parade of military vehicles and historical reenactment groups wearing World War II uniforms. Original and restored vehicles, normally seen only in museums, will travel through the streets of Hel. It is a unique opportunity to see wartime equipment and uniforms from the 1940s up close.
The reenactors will take care of every historical detail, bringing the realities of wartime Europe closer to visitors. The parade is also a great opportunity for photography and meetings with history enthusiasts.
The reenactors will take care of every historical detail, bringing the realities of wartime Europe closer to visitors. The parade is also a great opportunity for photography and meetings with history enthusiasts.
The lecture will focus on the role of British forces during Operation Overlord and the subsequent fighting in Normandy in the summer of 1944. Particular attention will be given to British infantry soldiers who, after landing on Gold Beach, fought intense battles for towns and German defensive positions, as well as British airborne forces tasked with securing key bridges, roads, and crossings before the main invasion began.
Participants will learn about the organisation, weapons, and equipment of British units, as well as the course of the most important combat operations carried out by British forces during the Normandy campaign. The lecture will also present the cooperation between infantry, armoured forces, and airborne troops, which played a crucial role in the success of the Allied invasion of occupied Europe.
Participants will learn about the organisation, weapons, and equipment of British units, as well as the course of the most important combat operations carried out by British forces during the Normandy campaign. The lecture will also present the cooperation between infantry, armoured forces, and airborne troops, which played a crucial role in the success of the Allied invasion of occupied Europe.
THURSDAY, 20 AUGUST 2026
The lecture will focus on the extraordinary life of Józef Czapski – a painter, officer of the Polish Army, witness to history, and one of the most prominent Polish intellectuals of the 20th century. Participants will learn about his wartime journey, which led him through Soviet prisons and his search for missing Polish officers after leaving the Soviet Union with Anders’ Army, as well as his later activities in exile in France.
The meeting will present not only Czapski’s wartime experiences, but also his contribution to documenting the Katyn massacre, his journalistic and artistic work, and the role he played in preserving the memory of Polish experiences during World War II. It will be a story of a man who, despite dramatic experiences, remained faithful to the values of freedom, truth, and responsibility for historical memory.
The meeting will present not only Czapski’s wartime experiences, but also his contribution to documenting the Katyn massacre, his journalistic and artistic work, and the role he played in preserving the memory of Polish experiences during World War II. It will be a story of a man who, despite dramatic experiences, remained faithful to the values of freedom, truth, and responsibility for historical memory.
Historical camps prepared by reenactment groups will be established throughout Hel, presenting different sides of the conflict during the Second World War – Allied forces, Axis powers and the French Resistance.
The largest part of the historical dioramas will be located along Kuracyjna Street, leading towards the beach at the Hel Peninsula Cape. Additional displays and positions will be available near the Fisheries Museum and in the town centre.
The largest part of the historical dioramas will be located along Kuracyjna Street, leading towards the beach at the Hel Peninsula Cape. Additional displays and positions will be available near the Fisheries Museum and in the town centre.
A presentation of historic bicycles from the Second World War period combined with a special play and activity area for children.
It is a unique opportunity to discover the means of transport used in the past and spend time surrounded by the atmosphere of the 1940s.
It is a unique opportunity to discover the means of transport used in the past and spend time surrounded by the atmosphere of the 1940s.
The presentation will focus on military vehicles used by Allied armies during the fighting in Normandy and on the Western Front in 1944–1945. Visitors will have the opportunity to see historic vehicles used by American, British, and Canadian forces up close, and learn about their purpose, equipment, and role during combat operations.
The presentation will also explain the importance of transport, mobility, and logistical support in the success of Operation Overlord and the following stages of the liberation of Western Europe. It will be an excellent opportunity to discover the history of Allied military technology and learn how vehicles supported soldiers on the battlefield – from the Normandy landings to the end of the war in Europe.
The presentation will also explain the importance of transport, mobility, and logistical support in the success of Operation Overlord and the following stages of the liberation of Western Europe. It will be an excellent opportunity to discover the history of Allied military technology and learn how vehicles supported soldiers on the battlefield – from the Normandy landings to the end of the war in Europe.
The show will take visitors into the world of 1940s fashion and lifestyle, presenting characteristic civilian and military clothing from this unique period. The outfits will reflect the realities of World War II – from the elegance of pre-war fashion, through practical solutions shaped by wartime conditions, to styles inspired by military uniforms and the armed forces.
It will be a unique opportunity to see how clothing reflected the history, culture, and everyday life of people living in the 1940s. The show will combine educational value with an impressive presentation, bringing closer the atmosphere of the era recreated during the D-Day Hel event.
It will be a unique opportunity to see how clothing reflected the history, culture, and everyday life of people living in the 1940s. The show will combine educational value with an impressive presentation, bringing closer the atmosphere of the era recreated during the D-Day Hel event.
The lecture will focus on the history of Polish airmen who, during World War II, fought alongside the Allies, defending the skies over Europe and contributing to the defeat of Nazi Germany. Particular attention will be given to their participation in the most important air campaigns, including the Battle of Britain, operations over occupied Europe, and support for Allied military operations.
Participants will learn about the history of Polish squadrons, the stories of individual pilots, and the realities of wartime service. The lecture will highlight their courage, sacrifice, and the important role Polish airmen played in the fight for the freedom of Europe, becoming one of the symbols of Poland’s contribution to the Allied victory during World War II.
Participants will learn about the history of Polish squadrons, the stories of individual pilots, and the realities of wartime service. The lecture will highlight their courage, sacrifice, and the important role Polish airmen played in the fight for the freedom of Europe, becoming one of the symbols of Poland’s contribution to the Allied victory during World War II.
The lecture will focus on the participation of American airborne forces in Operation Overlord and their role during the first hours of the Normandy invasion on 6 June 1944. Particular attention will be given to soldiers of the US Army’s 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions, who were dropped behind German lines on the night before the landings to capture and secure key positions, roads, and crossings.
Participants will learn about the operations of American paratroopers, their equipment, tactics, and the difficult conditions in which they fought after the airborne drops became scattered. The lecture will present the story of soldiers who, despite the chaos of the first hours of the operation, carried out their missions and contributed to the success of the Allied landings and the opening of the Western Front.
Participants will learn about the operations of American paratroopers, their equipment, tactics, and the difficult conditions in which they fought after the airborne drops became scattered. The lecture will present the story of soldiers who, despite the chaos of the first hours of the operation, carried out their missions and contributed to the success of the Allied landings and the opening of the Western Front.
A historical reenactment presenting the events of the night of 5–6 June 1944, when soldiers of the US Army’s 101st Airborne Division began their mission as part of Operation Overlord. The performance will show preparations for the airborne assault, the flight of transport aircraft over Normandy, and the dramatic moments of the parachute drop behind German lines.
Visitors will witness the story of the soldiers of the “Screaming Eagles”, who, in darkness and often under difficult conditions, carried out missions crucial to the success of the Allied landings despite the chaos of the scattered drops. The show presents not only military actions, but also the emotions, uncertainty, and determination of the men who were among the first to begin the fight for the liberation of Western Europe.
Visitors will witness the story of the soldiers of the “Screaming Eagles”, who, in darkness and often under difficult conditions, carried out missions crucial to the success of the Allied landings despite the chaos of the scattered drops. The show presents not only military actions, but also the emotions, uncertainty, and determination of the men who were among the first to begin the fight for the liberation of Western Europe.
FRIDAY, 21 AUGUST 2026
The lecture will focus on the history of KL Natzweiler-Struthof – the only German concentration camp established in present-day France. Participants will learn about the history of the camp, the fate of its prisoners, and the role it played within the Nazi concentration camp system during World War II.
The meeting will present lesser-known aspects of the functioning of KL Natzweiler-Struthof, including forced labour, the activities of the German terror apparatus, and the tragic experiences of deportees from many countries of occupied Europe, including Poles. The lecture will also provide an opportunity to reflect on the memory of the victims of Nazism and the importance of preserving historical testimonies for future generations.
The meeting will present lesser-known aspects of the functioning of KL Natzweiler-Struthof, including forced labour, the activities of the German terror apparatus, and the tragic experiences of deportees from many countries of occupied Europe, including Poles. The lecture will also provide an opportunity to reflect on the memory of the victims of Nazism and the importance of preserving historical testimonies for future generations.
Historical camps prepared by reenactment groups will be established throughout Hel, presenting different sides of the conflict during the Second World War – Allied forces, Axis powers and the French Resistance.
The largest part of the historical dioramas will be located along Kuracyjna Street, leading towards the beach at the Hel Peninsula Cape. Additional displays and positions will be available near the Fisheries Museum and in the town centre.
The largest part of the historical dioramas will be located along Kuracyjna Street, leading towards the beach at the Hel Peninsula Cape. Additional displays and positions will be available near the Fisheries Museum and in the town centre.
A presentation of historic bicycles from the Second World War period combined with a special play and activity area for children.
It is a unique opportunity to discover the means of transport used in the past and spend time surrounded by the atmosphere of the 1940s.
It is a unique opportunity to discover the means of transport used in the past and spend time surrounded by the atmosphere of the 1940s.
A historical reenactment presenting the participation of the 1st Polish Armoured Division under General Stanisław Maczek in one of the most important battles of the Normandy campaign – the closing of the encirclement of German forces in the Falaise and Chambois area in August 1944. The reenactment will present the actions of Polish armoured troops who, together with Allied forces, fought to destroy German units retreating from Normandy.
Visitors will witness the story of the “Black Devils”, their fight for the strategically important Hill 262 (Mont Ormel), and the dramatic clashes with German forces attempting to break out of the encirclement. The show presents not only the actions of armoured vehicles and combat units, but above all the determination of Polish soldiers who wrote one of the most remarkable chapters in the history of the Polish Armed Forces in the West.
Visitors will witness the story of the “Black Devils”, their fight for the strategically important Hill 262 (Mont Ormel), and the dramatic clashes with German forces attempting to break out of the encirclement. The show presents not only the actions of armoured vehicles and combat units, but above all the determination of Polish soldiers who wrote one of the most remarkable chapters in the history of the Polish Armed Forces in the West.
Experience a unique parade of military vehicles and historical reenactment groups wearing World War II uniforms. Original and restored vehicles, normally seen only in museums, will travel through the streets of Hel. It is a unique opportunity to see wartime equipment and uniforms from the 1940s up close.
The reenactors will take care of every historical detail, bringing the realities of wartime Europe closer to visitors. The parade is also a great opportunity for photography and meetings with history enthusiasts.
The reenactors will take care of every historical detail, bringing the realities of wartime Europe closer to visitors. The parade is also a great opportunity for photography and meetings with history enthusiasts.
The show will take participants back to the world of 1940s fashion and lifestyle, presenting characteristic civilian and military clothing from this unique period. The displayed outfits will illustrate the realities of World War II – from the elegance of pre-war salons, through practical solutions shaped by wartime conditions, to fashion inspired by uniforms and military style.
It will be a unique opportunity to see how clothing reflected the history, culture, and everyday life of people living in the 1940s. The show will combine educational value with a spectacular presentation, bringing the atmosphere of the era that we aim to recreate during the D-Day Hel event.
It will be a unique opportunity to see how clothing reflected the history, culture, and everyday life of people living in the 1940s. The show will combine educational value with a spectacular presentation, bringing the atmosphere of the era that we aim to recreate during the D-Day Hel event.
The contest will take participants into the world of 1940s style and elegance, presenting characteristic outfits, accessories, and hairstyles inspired by the period of World War II. Participants will have the opportunity to present their own interpretations of the era’s fashion – both civilian and inspired by the military reality of those years.
The event will be not only an opportunity to admire creativity and attention to historical details, but also to discover how clothing and appearance reflected everyday life, culture, and social changes of the 1940s. The contest will introduce the audience to the unique atmosphere of the era, combining historical education with entertainment.
The event will be not only an opportunity to admire creativity and attention to historical details, but also to discover how clothing and appearance reflected everyday life, culture, and social changes of the 1940s. The contest will introduce the audience to the unique atmosphere of the era, combining historical education with entertainment.
SATURDAY, 22 AUGUST 2026
The lecture will focus on one of the most remarkable events of the early period of World War II – the evacuation of Allied forces from Dunkirk in May and June 1940. Participants will learn about Operation “Dynamo”, during which hundreds of thousands of British, French, and Belgian soldiers were rescued from German encirclement and transported across the English Channel.
The meeting will present the dramatic fate of the soldiers fighting to hold the evacuation perimeter, the role of the Royal Navy, and the civilian vessels that took part in the rescue operation. The lecture will also provide an opportunity to understand the significance of the Dunkirk evacuation for the further course of the war and the history of the Allied struggle to liberate Europe.
The meeting will present the dramatic fate of the soldiers fighting to hold the evacuation perimeter, the role of the Royal Navy, and the civilian vessels that took part in the rescue operation. The lecture will also provide an opportunity to understand the significance of the Dunkirk evacuation for the further course of the war and the history of the Allied struggle to liberate Europe.
Historical camps prepared by reenactment groups will be established throughout Hel, presenting different sides of the conflict during the Second World War – Allied forces, Axis powers and the French Resistance.
The largest part of the historical dioramas will be located along Kuracyjna Street, leading towards the beach at the Hel Peninsula Cape. Additional displays and positions will be available near the Fisheries Museum and in the town centre.
The largest part of the historical dioramas will be located along Kuracyjna Street, leading towards the beach at the Hel Peninsula Cape. Additional displays and positions will be available near the Fisheries Museum and in the town centre.
A presentation of historic bicycles from the Second World War period combined with a special play and activity area for children.
It is a unique opportunity to discover the means of transport used in the past and spend time surrounded by the atmosphere of the 1940s.
It is a unique opportunity to discover the means of transport used in the past and spend time surrounded by the atmosphere of the 1940s.
The highlight of D-Day Hel 2026 will be a spectacular reenactment depicting the landing of American forces on Omaha Beach on 6 June 1944. With the participation of historical reenactors, military vehicles, pyrotechnic effects, and landing craft, one of the most dramatic moments of Operation Overlord – the largest amphibious operation in history – will be recreated.
The spectacle presents the struggle of US Army soldiers who, under heavy fire from German defences, attempted to establish a foothold on the Normandy coast. Visitors will witness the cooperation between infantry, armoured units, and other supporting formations involved in the assault, as well as learn about the realities of the fighting that led to the opening of the Western Front and the beginning of the liberation of occupied Europe.
The reenactment combines spectacular visual effects with attention to historical accuracy, paying tribute to the soldiers who fought for the freedom of Europe on 6 June 1944. It is the largest and most impressive event of the D-Day Hel programme, attracting thousands of visitors from Poland and abroad every year.
The spectacle presents the struggle of US Army soldiers who, under heavy fire from German defences, attempted to establish a foothold on the Normandy coast. Visitors will witness the cooperation between infantry, armoured units, and other supporting formations involved in the assault, as well as learn about the realities of the fighting that led to the opening of the Western Front and the beginning of the liberation of occupied Europe.
The reenactment combines spectacular visual effects with attention to historical accuracy, paying tribute to the soldiers who fought for the freedom of Europe on 6 June 1944. It is the largest and most impressive event of the D-Day Hel programme, attracting thousands of visitors from Poland and abroad every year.
The ceremonial lowering of the flags will mark the official conclusion of the D-Day Hel 2026 event. In a solemn atmosphere, participants, reenactors, and invited guests will bring another edition of this living history lesson to a close, while paying tribute to all soldiers and civilians whose stories became part of the history of World War II.
The ceremony will be a symbolic moment summarising the days filled with meetings, reenactments, presentations, and educational activities. The lowering of the flags will conclude this year’s edition of D-Day Hel, leaving participants with a memory of history, respect for the heroes of past generations, and an invitation to future encounters with history on the Hel Peninsula.
The ceremony will be a symbolic moment summarising the days filled with meetings, reenactments, presentations, and educational activities. The lowering of the flags will conclude this year’s edition of D-Day Hel, leaving participants with a memory of history, respect for the heroes of past generations, and an invitation to future encounters with history on the Hel Peninsula.
Experience a unique parade of military vehicles and historical reenactment groups wearing World War II uniforms. Original and restored vehicles, normally seen only in museums, will travel through the streets of Hel. It is a unique opportunity to see wartime equipment and uniforms from the 1940s up close.
The reenactors will take care of every historical detail, bringing the realities of wartime Europe closer to visitors. The parade is also a great opportunity for photography and meetings with history enthusiasts.
The reenactors will take care of every historical detail, bringing the realities of wartime Europe closer to visitors. The parade is also a great opportunity for photography and meetings with history enthusiasts.
SUNDAY, 23 AUGUST 2026
The field mass has been an integral part of the D-Day Hel event for many years and remains a beautiful tradition, bringing this year’s edition of the event to a close. Celebrated in a unique seaside setting at the end of Kuracyjna Street, near the entrance to the beach, it brings together participants, residents, and guests in a shared prayer for all those who lost their lives during World War II.
The Eucharist is celebrated by the parish priest of the Corpus Christi Parish in Hel, commemorating the heroes of the past and praying for peace in today’s world. It is a moment of reflection and remembrance, emphasising that history is not only a story of battles, but above all a story of people and the values for which they paid the highest price.
The Eucharist is celebrated by the parish priest of the Corpus Christi Parish in Hel, commemorating the heroes of the past and praying for peace in today’s world. It is a moment of reflection and remembrance, emphasising that history is not only a story of battles, but above all a story of people and the values for which they paid the highest price.
The organizers of D-Day Hel reserve the right to amend the schedule.