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The Bailiff, William Bailhache, has called on Islanders to "adopt the Jersey way" during his address as part of the 72nd anniversary of Liberation Day.
The sun was shining brightly yesterday as the Bailiff spoke to the crowd saying: "So let us treasure our institutions, learn Jersey French, eat Jersey Royals and drink milk from Jersey cows and let us adopt the Jersey Way, whatever changes arise in the composition of our people in the future because that sums up what we were liberated from on 9th May 1945."
There were hundreds of people sat in Liberation Square and even more lining the streets and watching the official ceremony from a big screen at the Weighbridge. The Bailiff renewed his call to reclaim the expression 'The Jersey Way' "... from those who abused it," and added, "...to me it means being tolerant, being competent in what we do, and showing integrity and compassion."
After the Bailiff concluded his speech, the crowd watched on as the traditional re-enactment of the liberation of Jersey took place. Cadets from the Royal Jersey Militia Army Cadet Force (ACF) played the role of the liberating soldiers of Force 135 to raise the Union flag from the balcony of the Pomme d'Or.
Pictured: The cadets from the Royal Jersey Militia Army Cadet Force played the roles of the Liberating forces during the re-enactment.
The official celebrations then continued with the final parade. Marching participants, which included the Jersey Pipe Band, brownies, scouts and guides as well as uniformed organisations, were followed by the Jersey Military Vehicle Club and the Jersey Old Motor Car Club.
As soon as the Band of Jersey went past the Pomme d'Or, marking the end of the parade, Islanders then moved to the Weighbridge for a less formal celebration. The "Jersey Way" was very much reflected on the stalls with local produce, including cider, scallops and fish, as well as on stage with local entertainers. There was a 1940's feeling in the air with vendors, performers and even visitors dressed in vintage clothes. Even the carousel was a vintage one and had to be manually set into motion.
The dance floor built right next to the stage didn't stay empty for long. Young and old Islanders alike twirled together to the music played by the Jersey Big Band, the Optimistic Voices, Jessica Lloyd, the Word on the Street and the Jersey Hoppers, until the end of festivities in late afternoon.
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