16-05-2025
More than 20,000 attended Liberation Day events in Guernsey
More than 20,000 people turned out to mark the 80th anniversary of Liberation Day in St Peter Port, according to States of Guernsey data showed 350 vehicles took part in the cavalcade, which saw a tortoise named Timothy, who lived through Occupation, ride along in a cage on top of a classic Fiat 500. The States said accommodation providers reached 90% capacity over the weekend of celebrations, which also included a visit from Princess Channel Islands was the only British territory to be occupied by German forces in World War Two.
Events were also held in other parts of the island, including a major celebration at L'Eree hosted by the parish of St Peter' Princess Royal visited the celebrations in the afternoon, speaking with islanders who lived through the were six aerial flypasts by aircraft including a P8 Poseidon, Hurricane and day concluded in St Peter Port with live music at North Beach, a moving drone show depicting wartime history, as well a fireworks finale over Castle were also held in other parts of the island, including a major celebration at L'Eree hosted by the parish of St Peter's.
Helen Glencross, head of Heritage Services and chairwoman of the Liberation Day Oversight Board, said Liberation Day was a "truly unforgettable celebration"."It not only commemorated a defining moment in Guernsey's history, but was also an incredible display of the strength, spirit and unity of our community today," she said."It was especially meaningful to honour those who lived through the Second World War and Occupation, as well as those who experienced liberation first-hand."
