On August 24 last week, exactly at ten o'clock at night, we watched afireworks display, held to celebrate the liberation of Cannes, which occurred sixty seven years ago.

We had gatheredon the Croisette with hundreds of others, manyof whom had come fromNice by train.

In the morning,aplatoon representing the 51 Highland Division marched past, and Ffion was very taken with their mascot, a colliedog. In one of the quieter streets a tablehad a displayof gasmasks and helmets from World War 11. An elderly lady, who was helping on the stall, wore a flowered dress from the 1940's, which was accessorised by a beret, army boots and socks.

There was a large gathering atthe Memorial and 'God Save the Queen' was sung. One hundred vehicles took part, including Sherman tanksusedfrom 1942to 1945 andthe jeeps were decorated with French and American flags.

In the evening, weate early at the 'Grand Cafe', afterwards sittingdown with ice-creams on the Croisette, watchingas a few jeeps went by. Crowds began thronging the pavements, spilling over into the road then, when darkness fell, the fireworks shot into the sky, framed by the dark silhouette of palm trees. Green, red, gold and silver stars formedgreat arcs of light, which went on for half an hour.

Opera music was played and the voice of Andrea Bocelli brought proceedings to an end.

A night to remember and one to be grateful for.