How Guernsey is celebrating 79 years of Liberation

Live performances, a cavalcade, and parish parties are all a part of Guernsey's 2024 Liberation Day plans.

The 9 May 2024 marks 79 years since islanders were freed from German occupation and the end of the Second World War.

The celebrations begin at 8.55am with the sounding of the siren at Victoria Tower.

At 9.50 the Bailiff will lay a wreath at the War Memorial at the top of Smith Street.

The Military Parade and Inspection along the seafront will follow it.

Meanwhile, music and re-enactment will be running at Castle Cornet, from 10am till 4pm.

The traditional Cavalcade will start its coastal journey from Torteval Church around 12pm. More than a hundred military vehicles and tractors will travel clockwise to St Peter Port, where a static display will begin at 3pm.

The Liberation Concert on the Crown Pier kicks off at 5pm and runs until 9.15pm. The event will feature The Bombshells, Guernsey's Jazz Orchestra and the Big Band Collective, and will be followed by fireworks from La Vallette.

Guernsey's wartime generation can once again enjoy a mini Liberation Day hamper containing cake and Guernsey dairy products - those who applied for the package in April can pick them up at Beau Sejour between 9.30am to 1pm.

This was the 2023 Liberation Day hamper

The parishes are once again hosting their own celebrations:

St Pierre du Bois is having a beach party on L'Eree Common, with food and drink available from 11am till 9.30pm

St Andrew residents are gathering at the Last Post, from 11am till 11.30pm.

The Castel are having their own teddy bear picnic at the Vazon headland, with a bouncy castle and raffle at midday.

St Peter Port's children can enjoy T-shirt painting, a climbing wall and a talent show in Market Square from 12pm till 5pm.

There's a tea party in the Vale douzaine room from 2pm till 4pm.