Liberation 80 Celebrations – Update
At this tumultuous time in world, it seems more important than ever to learn from the past and to celebrate our freedom.
May 9th 2025 marks the 80th Anniversary of Jersey’s Liberation from Nazi Occupation.
The Island will be celebrating this significant day in Jersey’s history with events taking place in St. Helier on Liberation Day itself.
On Saturday 10th May, St. Martin will host celebrations on the Village Green and in the Parish Church.
A Marquee will be erected on the Green and in the afternoon of 10th May there will be family fun, games, entertainment and refreshments all around the Marquee.
Occupation survivors and members of the older generation will be invited to a special Afternoon Tea party. Optimistic Voices will entertain with songs from the 1940’s and we are delighted that the Bailiff, Sir Timothy Le Cocq will join in with the celebrations.
During the evening of 10th May there will be a barbeque meal with a live band and dancing in the Marquee. Tickets for the evening will be available from the Public Hall nearer the time.
Other events in the Parish to mark this special Liberation Anniversary include (we hope) an exhibition in the Public Hall.
The Parish Church will be hosting a flower festival over the weekend of the 9th May and on 11th and 12th May will also be hosting an exhibition of intricately made model boats showcasing The SS Vega, HMS Bulldog, the flotilla of boats that helped to evacuate Dunkirk amongst others. We are grateful to Messrs. Peter Barnard and Peter Chandler. These are just some of the events taking place in the Parish. Please check the parish website for updates.
After Liberation 80, we will be putting together a special Liberation edition of Les Nouvelles.
If you have any stories handed down to you or first had memories of the Occupation and Liberation, we will be delighted to hear from you.
Karen Stone – Connetable