A special event is being held in March to celebrate the 100th birthday of Dame Vera Lynn.
Dame Vera became known as the Forces’ Sweetheart for her tireless work during World War II entertaining the troops and maintaining the morale of the nation.
As a singer and songwriter, Dame Vera has had many hits over a career that spans some eight decades. These include "We’ll Meet Again" and "The White Cliffs of Dover".
Singing group Blake, Hayley Westenra, Alexander Armstrong, Robert Robinson and the Royal Air Force Dance Orchestra, The Squadronaires, are amongst those lined up to perform at the 100th tribute with more to confirm.
Dame Vera said, “to have reached my hundredth year is in itself an achievement—with all the many memories that one collects over the years, the different places and the wonderful people one meets and the many, many fans from across the world who have supported me. The show on March 18 will be but a tiny insight into my career from when I started professionally on stage at the age of seven, through the war years right up until the current day. So I want you to sit back and enjoy what for me has been an incredible adventure of song, dance and friendship.”
Dame Vera has been recognised for her services to entertainment and charity. She was appointed OBE in 1969, DBE (Dame) in 1975 and last year Member of the Order of the Companions of Honour.
The 18 March event will raise funds for the Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity which helps families across East and West Sussex, Kent, Surrey, Berkshire and London.
100: A Tribute to Dame Vera Lynn will take place at the London Palladium on 18 March. Tickets are available online.