Islanders encouraged to choose active travel this Liberation Day

With over 20,000 people attending the seafront celebrations last year, organisers are encouraging islanders to choose active modes of travel when heading into St Peter Port this Liberation Day.

To help facilitate this, additional bicycle parking and ‘Park & Stride’ locations will be available this year, and the buses will be running a free standard Saturday service, including night buses. Buses will depart from Town Terminus, and all inbound services will terminate in front of the market building.

People are asked to leave extra time for their journey and to be prepared to wait for the next bus if one is full or opt to walk, if they can. Additional bicycle parking will be available at Havelet, The Albany (by the bus terminus), Le Bordage, North Beach and the Inter-Island Quay at White Rock alongside the permanent bicycle stands. Please be advised the temporary bicycle stands will not have physical hoops and therefore users who have them are encouraged to use their bike stands.

Those driving can park in car parks at Sir Charles Frossard House, The Ladies’ College, Lukis House or both Admiral Park and Rohais Waitrose locations and walk into Town for the day’s celebrations.

Deputy Andy Cameron, Vice-President of the Committee for Education, Sport and Culture and Liberation Day Lead, said:

“Liberation Day is one of the busiest days in our calendar, with large numbers heading into St Peter Port to celebrate. I would encourage everyone who can to consider travelling into town by cycling, using the free bus travel, or parking at one of the ‘Park & Stride’ locations and walking in. Choosing alternative transport where possible will help reduce congestion in the town centre, support a more sustainable approach to the day, and ease pressure for those who are unable to do the same.”

Due to limited parking in St Peter Port, drop-off zones have been included in the plans at North Beach and The Albany, and car sharing has been advised for those who choose to drive.

Additional blue badge parking spaces will be made available on North Beach, The Albany, Havelet and Castle Cornet.

Accessible seating and toilets for the day’s celebrations can be found on Crown and Albert Pier alongside the fixed RADAR key toilets.

The seafront will be closed all day from the Weighbridge roundabout to the Slaughterhouse roundabout. Weighbridge roundabout will also be closed from 10.45am as the Parade passes through and for a short time before 3pm for the arrival of the Cavalcade.

Other road closures for islanders to note are Fountain Street for the whole day and La Vallette from 10am for the set-up of the fireworks display. Pedestrian access will be available on the raised walkway until 3pm. On the day, all islanders are urged to be aware and wear lights or high visibility clothing in the evening.

The taxi rank at the Weighbridge roundabout will operate as normal. To allow for road closures, taxis will also run temporarily from The Albany and the end of Castle Emplacement, with the Town Church Square taxi rank closed on 9 May.

Parking suspensions will be put in place on Crown and Albert Pier from Wednesday 6 May until Monday 11 May to allow for the build of infrastructure for the day. Islanders are advised that parking restrictions will apply on areas other than the Piers including North Beach marina parking from Thursday 7 May and Le Bordage from 6pm on Friday 8 May. Organisers encourage people to read signage and abide by restrictions.

Full information on active travel options and accessibility on the day can be found on the Liberation Day website and on social media channels.