D-Day Veterans supported by Taxi Charity to take centre stage at National Lottery’s Big Bash
Updated: Dec 10, 2024
The National Lottery hosted a dazzling evening of music and entertainment at the OVO Arena in Wembley on 4 December. The show, marking the end of 2024, featured eight D-Day veterans supported by the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans in a poignant tribute to the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings.
The event celebrated milestones from 2024, including the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games and the 30th anniversary of The National Lottery. Hosted by Vernon Kay and Fleur East, the Big Bash transformed the iconic arena into a hub of celebration, featuring a mix of musical performances, cultural highlights, and sporting achievements that defined the year.
Opening the night was Perrie with a powerful rendition of her latest hit, “You Go Your Way”, followed by KSI energising the crowd with “Thick of It”. Other standout moments included Olly Alexander performing “Cupid’s Bow” and Craig David delivering a medley of his chart-topping hits. Ella Henderson and Cirque du Soleil’s CORTEO also brought exclusive performances to the 8,000-strong audience.
The show also marked anniversaries, with Loose Women and the cast of Mamma Mia uniting for a joint celebration of their respective 25 years.
A particularly moving segment came when British actor Jason Isaacs read alongside the D-Day veterans. The veterans, aged 98 to 101, took the stage in a moment made possible by National Lottery funding for the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans.
The National Lottery’s Big Bash highlighted the impact of its funding, celebrating not only major events but also individuals and organisations that have made a difference in communities across the UK.
The event will be broadcast on ITV1 and ITVX at 5.45pm on 31 December, offering viewers a final chance to reflect on the year’s defining moments.
Colin Mills, London Cab Driver and Chairman of the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans, said: “The veterans who participated in The National Lottery’s Big Bash had been with us in Normandy this June for the 80th anniversary of D Day, where they received a wonderful welcome wherever they went. However, they were absolutely astonished and delighted by the reception they received at the OVO Arena and they can’t wait to sit with their families on New Year’s Eve to watch the show.”
