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Liberation Celebrations
9th May
Dates
Thursday 9th May 2024
About the Liberation Celebrations
After 5 long years of German Occupation during the Second World War, the Channel Islands finally regained their freedom. On the 9th May 1945, Guernsey men and women opened their windows wide, descended in the streets of St. Peter Port to breathe a common sight of relief and to start preparing for a brighter future. Seventy years on, the 9th May is still as strongly cherished by islanders whose collective memory of privations and hardships still echoes around the place. As half of the population was evacuated, including 4000 children, the other half endured hunger, poor medical attention and fear.
The celebrations on the 9th May are every year about not forgetting the past, thanking those who fought but also about the joy of freedom, plentifulness and family life. The day is therefore a very happy occasion with military band street parade, church services, period dancing and singing, a mini cavalcade, a Grand Prix, markets, fireworks and loads of entertainment for all generations to share.
2024 marks 79 year of Guernsey’s Liberation at the end of WWII and this year, we will be celebrating Liberation Day on Tuesday 9th May. Many events take place in St. Peter Port and around the island on Liberation Day, full details will be available nearer the time.
2024 Programme is TBC, for 2023 the events started at 08.59, with the sounding of the siren followed by a 2 minutes silence, 09.50 wreath laying followed by the Military Parade along St. Peter Port Seafront, 11.00 Town Church Service, 13.00 - 15.00 Liberation Coastal Cavalcade, 15.00-17.00 static display, 17.00 onwards The Liberation Big Band Dance culminating with the fireworks display at 21.15, fired from Castle Cornet.
Recommended Accommodation
Grange Lodge Hotel
The Grange Lodge Hotel has been owned and operated by the Mansell Family since 1924 and offers a home away from home.
Duke of Richmond Hotel
The Duke of Richmond is a 4 star hotel situated close to St. Peter Port town centre, featuring a large sun terrace, outdoor swimming pool and popular bar and restaurant.
Best Western Moores Hotel
The Best Western Moores Hotel is only a stone's throw from St. Peter Port harbour and sea front, providing guests with a perfect base from which to explore Guernsey.
La Collinette Self Catering
La Collinette Self Catering offers guests a home away from home, close to St. Peter Port town centre and only a short drive from Guernsey's beaches and countryside.
Old Government House Hotel & Spa
Fantastically located in the centre of St. Peter Port, The Old Government House is the only establishment in Guernsey to offer 5 star luxury including extensive Spa facilities.
