Here’s what’s on the agenda for islanders looking to celebrate Liberation Day this year – which will mark the first time the event is officially recognised as the island’s national day.
9 May was adopted as Jersey’s official national day after politicians voted to approve an amended proposition earlier this year.
It marks the date that Jersey was liberated from Occupation by German forces during World War Two.
Today is an occasion to remember those who died and those who survived, with activities and events focused around Liberation Square and the Pomme d’Or Hotel where islanders gathered in jubilation.
It is also a chance to celebrate the island’s commitment to freedom, peace and inclusivity.
Although the event is a significant occasion for Jersey and its people every year, 2025 is especially significant as it marks the 80th anniversary of Liberation.
The main event
From 10:00: Formation of marching contingents in Broad Street – and the online live stream begins (click here to watch).
From 10:30: The procession to Liberation Square begins.
11:00: The annual special sitting of the States Assembly begins in Liberation Square. The Bailiff, Sir Timothy Le Cocq, will address the crowds, along with a member of the States Assembly. They will be joined by special guest, Sir Nicholas Soames, Sir Winston Churchill’s grandson.
11:20: Following the Bailiff’s address, the Dean will hold the Service of Thanksgiving , followed by a re-enactment of Force 135’s arrival, a performance of Beautiful Jersey – now the island’s official anthem – and them British national anthem, with music from The Band of the Island of Jersey, and La Ronde Concert Band.
12:00: March past and motorcade.
12:15: End of the ceremonial events.
12:45: The free Liberation Day Party will begin in Weighbridge Place, featuring an an array of local music, dancing and food stalls until 19:50.
Commemorating the SS Vega
A short service will also be held after the main celebrations to commemorate the aid delivered to starving islanders from the International Red Cross ship SS Vega on 30 December 1944.
Beginning at 13:15 in the Royal Square, the service will celebrate the work of the International Red Cross and how aid work has developed since then.
It will be attended by recipients of the original lifesaving parcels.
Speeches will be given by The Bailiff, Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham, Red Cross representative David Peppiatt OBE, and International Development Minister Carolyn Labey.
Remembering forced and slave workers
Descendants of the 101 forced and slave workers who made Jersey their home after the Second World War will gather at 15:00 to honour the memory of their forbears.
Civilians and prisoners of war from across Europe and North Africa were brought to the Channel Islands by the Germans and forced to work constructing a network of fortifications as part of Hitler’s Atlantic Wall, which stretched from the coast of Norway to the French border with Spain.
They included Russians, Ukrainians, Belarusians, Spanish Republicans, Algerians, Tunisians, Moroccans, Poles, French, Jews and Belgians.
The average age of the service men and women was 31.
An annual service for forced and slave workers has been held in the grounds of the crematorium at Westmount each Liberation Day since the mid-1960s.
The Lieutenant-Governor, Vice-Admiral Jerry Kidd, The Bailiff and the Chief Minister will be in attendance and lay floral wreaths.
GET INVOLVED…
Various events are being held across the island throughout May to mark Liberation 80.
You can find out more about what’s on via the dedicated website here.