Liberation Day is a
national holiday in Guernsey, celebrating 9 May, 1945, the day when the island was liberated from the occupying forces of
Nazi Germany..Although it is more than 50 years since the first celebration was held, the States Liberation and
Millennium Celebrations Committee continues to organise a day full of events that everyone can enjoy.
The first sign of Liberation Day’s arrival is the appearance of a large funfair at the North Beach car park.
This runs for several days and features the usual fun attractions, some thrill rides and a number of sideshows.
The day itself starts with a service of remembrance in the Town Church in the morning, while the afternoon is given
over to entertainment. Until a few years ago a cavalcade was held regularly, but after the 50th anniversary of Liberation
passed this has been staged less often. In the mid 1990s street entertainment was introduced, attracting a large number of
entertainers from all over the UK. Watching the various comedians, stuntmen and actors provides hours of amusement for all.
The sea front from the Weighbridge Roundabout to the Prince Albert Statue is closed to
traffic for the duration of the day, and as well as the street entertainers the Albert and Victoria Piers play host to a number
of other activities, both open air and under cover. Some of these run on well into the evening.
The day traditionally ends with a firework display over Castle Cornet.
