This year, the Channel Islands were supposed to enjoy their biggest Liberation Day celebrations to date, commemorating 75 years of freedom from occupation.
But as both Bailiwicks face their biggest challenge since WWII, and planned events have been forced to cancel, organisers have had to get creative by crafting revised schedules of community events that adhere to lockdown restrictions.
While public gatherings have been called-off, islanders are being encouraged to get involved online, with creative activities, virtual tours and by watching videos detailing life under occupation.
The Channel Islands were expecting two royal visitors for the 75th anniversary of Liberation – their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, who were scheduled to visit Jersey, Guernsey and Sark. While the visits have been cancelled, islanders in both Jersey and Guernsey can still watch live speeches from their respective Bailiffs online.
His Excellency The Lieutenant Governor, Air Chief Marshal Stephen Dalton GCB will read a special message from Her Majesty the Queen to the People of Jersey from Government House, while in Guernsey at 2pm, His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor, Vice Admiral Sir Ian Corder, will also read a special message.
#Liberate75Together in Guernsey
In the run-up to 9th May, daily creative activities including cookery and dance tutorials, art projects and historical documentaries are being promoted on the Liberation Day Facebook page and website and the States of Guernsey Facebook page. On the day itself, all events will be held virtually due to current restrictions.
Events on the morning of 9 May will begin with the sirens sounding from Victoria Tower at 9am, a Liberation Day message from the Bailiff, Sir Richard Collas, at 9.30am and footage of the traditional wreath laying will be screened at 10.50am. The Liberation Day Church Service, led by the Very Reverend Tim Barker, Dean of Guernsey, will be shown at 11am.
At 12.20pm, an interview with Stuart Snow, 96, will be screened. Mr Snow, was one of the first liberating soldiers to land on Guernsey’s shores. At 2pm, His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor, Vice Admiral Sir Ian Corder, will read a special message on behalf of the Queen, and he will also be interviewed by TV Historian and Visit Guernsey Ambassador, Dan Snow.
The afternoon will also see a wartime sofa sing-a-long, and a reading from the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society book by co-author Annie Barrows. Islanders are also being encouraged to create their own stay-at-home tea party at 2.30pm with 1940s music from BBC Radio Guernsey.
Jersey’s Liberation 75
As in Guernsey, Jersey will take this year’s milestone celebrations online. Islanders can take a virtual bunker tour, examine sources from the Jersey Archive’s Occupation and Liberation collection online, or show off their singing, comedy, dancing and/or instrumental skills by submitted videos to the Lib Me Entertain You campaign.
Videos will be posted on the Liberation 75 Facebook page throughout Saturday 9 May for islanders to enjoy, ranging from music and dancing to Jèrriais readings and cooking.
Members of the public are invited to tune in to this year’s Liberation Day States Sitting live online or via BBC Radio Jersey, from 10.30-11am. The formal address and raising of the union flag will take place between 11.30am and 12pm. Aerial footage will capture The Bailiff speaking from the balcony of the Royal Court.
Every household in Jersey is invited to host their own Liberation Day pop-up party at 3pm. For those living alone, a pop-up Zoom party is being suggested.
From 7-11pm, there will be a live virtual skyline party. Broadcast live from the ramparts of Fort Regent will be DJs Warren Le Sueur, Simon Gasston, Colin Moore and DJ Stefunk, along with special guest vocalist, The Voice 2019 star, Moya. Go to https://www.mixcloud.com/liberation75.je to join the party.
