Beau Sejour was flooded with people dressed in red, white and blue, to celebrate 81 years of freedom.
‘Every year I get to meet people who have some memories of being occupied,’ said the Specsavers founder.
‘Although it will probably fade out over time, some of the stories are very interesting.’
Dame Mary was in Bristol at the time of Liberation, and still attends the tea dance wearing her ID card around her neck which she needed to get food rations.
‘I can imagine the emotion of the day when Liberation was announced, and that’s something we should remember sometimes,’ she said.
‘Maybe we can call upon that resilience again, because who knows what’s going to happen in the future?’
The event was attended by military personnel, including Gurkhas, Chelsea Pensioners, and members of the Princess of Wales Royal Regiment.
More military representatives were due to attend the Hangar Ball yesterday evening.
‘I love these afternoons, and it’s so lovely to see everyone again, it’s all about celebrating freedom,’ said Dame Mary.
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