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Celebrating 78 years of freedom

Celebrating 78 years of freedom

Tuesday 09 May 2023

Celebrating 78 years of freedom

Tuesday 09 May 2023


10 Chelsea Pensioners and 10 Gurkhas are among the special guests in Guernsey for this year's Liberation Day commemorations and celebrations.

They arrived last Thursday and have spent a few days relaxing and attending Coronation events with local military organisations.

Chelsea Pensioners

Pictured: Chelsea Pensioners and Gurkhas on a previous visit to Guernsey, heading to Sark.

Aurigny funded their trips to the island, with Rob Grant, the Liaison Officer for the Chelsea Pensioner and Gurkha Liberation Day visit, thanking the airline.

"Thank you to Aurigny for supporting the Chelsea Pensioners and Gurkha visit to the Bailiwick for this year’s Liberation Day celebrations. This trip is a staple event in both groups’ diaries, and we’re pleased to continue this very rewarding tradition within the Bailiwick."

The VIPs will be at the Church Service, at 11:00 at the Town Church, before attending other events throughout the day. 

Prior to the Liberation Day Church Service, the Bailiff will lay a wreath at the War Memorial at the top of Smith Street in honour of all those who lost their lives during the Second World War and the Occupation.

There will be a parade of military personnel and island dignitaries from North Beach to the Town Church for the service. 

Following the formal events of the morning, there will be entertainment at Castle Cornet with a focus on family friendly, 40s style music which will continue throughout the day.

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Pictured: A taste of some of the entertainment at Castle Cornet on Liberation Day.

Jade Kershaw, Community Arts Development Officer has helped to organise the musical entertainment.

“Guernsey Arts are thrilled to be celebrating Guernsey’s culture on Liberation Day, helping to ensure that Castle Cornet is a hub of creative activity for the community to enjoy.” 

During the afternoon the cavalcade of war-time ear vehicles will make its way around the island before a static display in St Peter Port. 

Later on, from 17:00 the Liberation Day Big Band Dance will be held on the Crown Pier. Attendees are encouraged to dress in 1940s style clothes to replicate the Liberation Day era.

Fireworks at 21:15, from the castle breakwater will close the events in town this year.

Full details of all events in St Peter Port are available HERE.

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Pictured: The cavalcade in 2021.

Along with the events in St Peter Port, most parishes are holding their own events for Liberation Day this year.

St Peter Port douzaitne has organised a Family Fun Talent Show in Market Square, there's a Family Fun Day in the Castel opposite the Martello Tower at Vazon, and a Celebration Tea Party at the Vale Douzaine.

St Andrew's popular events around The Last Post are being held again this year, while the Forest celebrations are held at the Mallard.

St Peter's has a timetable of events at the L'eree common and beach, while St Martin's are focused around the parish hall and field. 

A Liberation Day Church Service is being held at St Saviour's Parish Church.

Information on individual parish events can be found HERE.

 

 

 

 

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