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With just a month to go, the plans are starting to take shape for the 2019 Liberation Day celebrations.
The new organisers, EC Events, have got some fresh activities planned to mark the anniversary of Guernsey's release from Occupation.
With new sponsors on board too, it's hoped families will find more to do in St Peter Port to keep the atmosphere alive as we celebrate 74 years of freedom.
A survey was carried out recently which showed a demand for more childrens' activities in particular with the Crown Pier now planned to host various stalls and entertainment on Thursday 9 May.
Julie Settle, Director of EC Events said; “We want to make the event interactive and exciting for both children and adults with entertainment planned throughout the entire area from the Weighbridge Roundabout to Castle Cornet.”
As well as stilt walkers, Punch and Judy, a comedy duo and the Wonder Women of War, there will be live dance acts such as Be Creative hiphop street dance, the Majorettes, Cheerleaders and the Morris dancers performing along the Quay.
The Homefront Marquee will be on the Albert Pier this year which the organisers say will allow easier access for all and will be home to the broadcast of the Liberation Town Church Service at 11:00.
There will be a programme of music, dance and entertainment including Les Blondettes and the Glenn Miller Sound band from 12:00 to 22:30 with the Randalls Bar serving from 16:00, alongside the Crown and Anchor, a seating area and various food outlets to create a dining area.
The commemorative celebrations remain an extremely important part of the day under the new organisers, with the Parade leaving the Royal Court to lay the wreath on the war memorial before heading to the Quay for the Royal Salute during the morning. General Sir Adrian Bradshaw KCB, OBE, Governor of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, will be the visiting Inspecting Officer for the Liberation parade this year.
General Sir Adrian commanded the unit that forms part of the Royal Armoured Corps and with special connections to the island, the Band of the Royal Armoured Corps will be making their first appearance and leading the Parade as well as performing in the HomeFront Marquee at 17:00 and at Castle Cornet at 14:30.
Pictured: The Liberation Day Parade in 2018.
The cavalcade will also be back, with the Guernsey Old Car Club celebrating its 50th anniversary by leading the Cavalcade which will depart from L’ancresse at 14:15, travelling along the coast and making their way into town. The Cavalcade Static display will be opposite the Bus Terminus next to the Waitrose NAAFI Tea Tent selling tea and cakes to raise money for charity.
There'll be live music throughout the afternoon, with the popular 'Castle Nights' holding a special 'Liberation Day Music at the Castle' version between 14:00 and 17:00.
Nikki Symons, Head of Marketing & Events for Sport and Culture said “We want to encourage everyone to visit all areas of Liberation Day and this year we have included Castle Emplacement as part of the celebrations linking the event in town to include Castle Cornet which will host live music and be free to explore all day.”
Pictured top: Liberation Day 2017, from Visit Guernsey.
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