Next month’s Liberation Day will see events held at different places across Guernsey with St Pierre du Bois and St Andrew’s announcing their schedules.

​The Liberation Day Organising Committee said the parish-based festivities will help to ensure the day is accessible to all ages and communities. 

Plans for the main events in town are also being finalised, said Helen Glencross MBE, Head of Culture and Heritage Services.

She said the success of the day is always down to the hard work of volunteers.

“It is the incredible spirit of our island that truly defines Liberation Day,” she said.

“By supporting parish events, we want to help ensure that everyone can take part, celebrating closer to home if they chose to, and in ways that reflect the needs of different ages and communities.

“This is, at its heart, a community day. It simply would not be possible without the dedication, generosity and enthusiasm of the many individuals, volunteers and local groups who give their time to make it happen.”

Ms Glencross thanked everyone involved who is in bringing Liberation Day to life. 

She said it wouldn’t happen without them.

“I would like to express my sincere thanks to everyone planning Liberation Day celebrations this year. Your efforts ensure that the day remains a truly island-wide occasion, bringing people together in remembrance, celebration and shared pride.”

Whats On

​St Pierre du Bois’ ‘FreedomFest’

​The celebrations at Sylvans Sports and Social Club will run for the majority of Guernsey’s special day, starting at 10:00 and going on until 23:00. 

The programme sets off with a service of thanksgiving at 10:00, in honour of the original Liberation Day service held in 1946. That will be followed by performances from Singing for Health and the Guernsey Academy of Theatrical Education (GATE).

There will also be screenings of ‘A La Perchoine’ and ‘Appointment with Venus’ in the clubhouse from midday.

Live music kicks off at 14:00, with the line-up including Drift Wood, Our Tomorrow, Clamour de Haro, and Stuck to the Ceiling, alongside a brass band.

Refreshments will be provided by The Himalayan Kitchen, Mim’s, and a fish and chip van, with a licensed bar provided by The Vraiceater’s Tavern.

​St Andrews

​Activities at The Last Post will run from midday until 22:00, with bouncy castles, a crown and anchor table, and an outdoor bar.

There’ll be live music performances by Aviation, Space Pirates of Rocquaine, and soloists Emily Fern and Grace J, followed by evening DJ sets from Seb Skillen and Joe Williams.

Food will include a hog roast provided by Surf and Turf, a barbecue, and you can book in the restaurant at The Last Post for lunch.

A Liberation Day for learning

For those wanting a more educational look at why we celebrate Liberation day, a series of free evening lectures will take place in the Brock Room at the St Peter Port Constables’ Office around the 9 May.

Tickets must be booked via Eventbrite. 

​7 May: British Commandos in the Channel Islands (Chris Oliver).

8 May: Guernsey’s six-year war (Bryan Pill).

​10 May: Tides of Defiance – Escape from Occupations (Nick Le Huray).

​12 May: History of the Royal Guernsey Light Infantry (Chris Oliver).

​13 May: Operation Basalt – The Raid on Sark (Chris Oliver).

​The Liberation Day Organising Committee would like to hear from anyone else hosting public events.

Contact info@liberationday.gg to share details.