Parish celebrations will bring Liberation Day spirit across the island

Guernsey's Liberation will be marked across the island next month, with parishes announcing family-friendly events to take place alongside the celebrations in St Peter Port.

Two parishes - St Pierre du Bois and St Andrew's - have both announced full-day programmes for 9 May, featuring live music, food, entertainment and activities for all ages, while also reflecting the historic importance of Liberation Day.

Across the island, many other groups and establishments will also be hosting celebrations, ensuring the day remains an island-wide event with many options for islanders to choose from to suit all tastes. As in previous years, liberationday.gg remains the main source for information about the day.

St Pierre du Bois is set to host FreedomFest at Sylvans Sports and Social Club from 10am to 11pm, with a programme designed to balance remembrance with celebration. The day will begin with the People's Church Service which will be a revival of the original Service of Thanksgiving held on 9 May 1946 to mark one year of Liberation, followed by performances from Singing for Health and the Guernsey Academy of Theatrical Education (GATE).

Wartime films A La Perchoine and Appointment with Venus will also be shown in the clubhouse before the event moves into an afternoon and evening of live music and family entertainment. The live music line-up at St Pierre du Bois begins at 2pm and includes Drift Wood, Our Tomorrow, Clamour de Haro and Stuck to the Ceiling, alongside a brass band performance.

Meanwhile, St Andrew's will host a day of entertainment at The Last Post from midday to 10pm.

Bouncy castles, a Crown and Anchor table, a hog roast, barbecue and an outdoor bar will be on offer, while The Last Post restaurant will also be open for lunch bookings. Bands including Aviation and Space Pirates of Rocquaine will take to the stage alongside solo artists Emily Fern and Grace J, as well as DJs Seb Skillen and Joe Williams.

In the week leading up to Liberation Day, islanders can attend a series of free lectures in St Peter Port by local historians Chris Oliver, Bryan Pill and Nick Le Huray. Topics include stories of escapes from Occupation, Operation Basalt and the audacious raid on Sark, and the history of the Royal Guernsey Light Infantry.

Each lecture will take place in the Brock Room at St Peter Port's Constables' Office, with tickets available through Eventbrite.

Anyone hosting public-facing events which they would like to have added to the official Liberation Day website should email [email protected].

Helen Glencross MBE, Head of Culture & Heritage Services and Chair of the Liberation Day Organising Committee, said:

"It is the incredible spirit of our island that truly defines Liberation Day. By supporting parish events, we want to help ensure that everyone can take part, celebrating closer to home if they chose to, and in ways that reflect the needs of different ages and communities.

This is, at its heart, a community day. It simply would not be possible without the dedication, generosity and enthusiasm of the many individuals, volunteers and local groups who give their time to make it happen.

I would like to express my sincere thanks to everyone planning Liberation Day celebrations this year. Your efforts ensure that the day remains a truly island-wide occasion, bringing people together in remembrance, celebration and shared pride.