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Public feedback has convinced those in charge to put on official events once again along the St. Peter Port seafront for Liberation Day, but the ‘island-wide’ cavalcade will no longer pass St. Andrews, St. Martins or St. Saviours.
Events will still occur across the parishes at the discretion of the douzaine following the precedent set last year.
But Education, Sport & Culture say responses to a public survey showed a desire for a celebratory focal point with live music, food, and drink.
A display of military vehicles, classic cars and tractors which form the cavalcade procession will be on display down the quays between 15:00 and 17:00, and then there will be a 1940s concert on Crown Pier with food and drinks until 21:00.
The new Town events will supplement the existing morning parade and church service, free music and entertainment at Castle Cornet, and the evening firework display.
ESC maintains that hosting events across the island helps to bring Liberation celebrations to all communities and parishes will continue to be supported with grant funding.
Difficult turns and steep hills on the previous cavalcade route proved too much for some of the classic vehicles, and therefore it has been adjusted and will now follow a coastal route from Torteval to St. Peter Port.
Pictured: This year is the 78th anniversary of the island's Liberation.
Some vehicles were reported to have broken down on last year’s cavalcade route and so the Cavalcade Committee has “reluctantly” decided to adopt a less challenging course.
Deputy Andrea Dudley-Owen, President of Education, Sport & Culture, said while some will be disappointed by the change, “it is sensible to make route changes to ensure” the longevity of the classic vehicles which participate.
Final plans have now been agreed by the Cavalcade Committee, which includes representatives from the Guernsey Military Vehicle Group, Guernsey Old Car Club and The Vintage and Classic Tractor Club.
The full route and times can be viewed below:
The public survey was launched last November, and 1,944 responses were received.
The island-wide cavalcade proved to be the most popular attraction.
The full results can be viewed HERE.
Deputy Dudley-Owen thanked all those who completed the survey and shared “what Liberation Day means to them”.
“It has provided the committee with real insight and has been very helpful to hear views from islanders on what has worked well, what types of activities they would like to see more of, where the events should take place, and other practical considerations.
“There were some differences in the views expressed… respondents who prefer celebrations in St. Peter Port had a younger profile and were more likely to live in Town and St. Sampson’s. While those who prefer celebrations in other parishes were more likely to be aged 65 and over and live in the south or west of the island.
“Having said that, it’s clear that for some islanders ensuring the Town seafront is bustling on Liberation Day is important to them and the committee has responded to that by organising two additional centrepiece events along the seafront.”
Liberation Day events will not return to the town seafront
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