A free, island-wide, scheduled bus service will be provided throughout Liberation Day and into the evening, to help everyone make the most of the 80th anniversary events.

The “enhanced service” will be operating on a Saturday timetable basis with some adjustments.

These changes will include working around the road closures needed for the Liberation Cavalcade, which will start in the north of the island and head in to St Peter Port on Friday afternoon.

Guernsey’s new bus operator Stagecoach has put together the plan with users urged to plan their journeys in advance.

You will need to allow extra travel time due to the expected high demand for services in and out of town and to and from L’eree, along with potential capacity limitations on buses during peak times. 

Deputy Sue Aldwell, Committee for Education, Sport & Culture, said they want as many people as possible to take part in the day’s events and Stagecoach’s drivers will be helping with that.

“This big milestone celebration has required a phenomenal community and cross- island effort to bring together. One example of this is the offer of a free bus service – which is much more extensive than the island’s normal bank holiday service – to ensure islanders can participate fully in the celebrations. 

“On behalf of the Liberation Day Organising Committee and the Education, Sport & Culture Committee, I extend a warm thank you to the Environment & Infrastructure Committee for offering this free service, as well as to Stagecoach and all the bus drivers who will be working this bank holiday.”

Pictured: Last years parade ahead of the Liberation Day Church Service.

As well as numerous road closures and parking suspensions all day and night in St Peter Port, there will also be diversions and closures along the east coast while the cavalcade is on the move during the afternoon.

In St Peter Port, the White Rock will serve as a temporary bus terminus as The Albany will be fully pedestrianised with other public facilities open on the day.

There will also be diversions at L’Eree between 12:00 and 13:30 due to ‘peoples’ parade’ along the coast.

Other restrictions and diversions will be signposted where necessary.

For those attending the St Pierre du Bois Parish Celebrations there is also the chance to pre-book a night bus home.

Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis from Stagecoach.

Pictured: It’s predicted that up to 30,000 people may partake in the public events marking the 80th anniversary of the Liberation.

Deputy Adrian Gabriel, Vice-President of the Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure, said the free bus service will help people navigate their way to and from events.

“Liberation Day is a time for everyone in our community to come together and celebrate our shared history. The Committee is delighted to be offering this free bus service, as we want to ensure that everyone can take part in the day’s events safely and sustainably. 

“We recognise the significance of the day and hope to assist with the challenge of limited parking provision. We also hope this free offer presents an opportunity for people to try out the bus service and consider it as a future means for transport or commuting beyond Liberation Day.”

Peter Knight, the Managing Director of Stagecoach South West, said he is particularly proud to be involved during his firm’s first few months in Guernsey.

“We are proud to support Guernsey’s Liberation Day commemorations by providing bus services for this important occasion. It’s an honour for Stagecoach to play a part in helping the community come together and remember such a significant day in the island’s history.”

In order to help everyone enjoy Liberation Day, visit the Liberation Day website for details on the full programme of events with timings and locations, travel and transport guidance including road closures and parking, accessibility information, and details of parish-led celebrations. 

On the information available online, to assist the public, Deputy Aldwell said: “We’re thrilled to provide a packed agenda for this year’s celebrations.

“We know planning the day can seem overwhelming, so the first stop for information is the Liberation Day website which has information about all the events taking place throughout the Liberation week, as well as on the day.”