Event Programme

The traditional schools relay race will take place along the seafront with teams from each secondary school taking part.

The parade will march from the White Rock at 10.00 and form up on the seafront to be inspected by H.E. The Lieutenant Governor Sir Richard Cripwell and the Bailiff, Sir Richard McMahon.

The parade will be made up of visiting contingents from HMS Daring, 201 Squadron and the Princess of Wales Royal Regiment, Ghurkas and Chelsea Pensioners alongside local veterans and uniformed youth organisations.

Once inspected, the parade will march along the seafront to the Town Church and back along the High Street to fall out in the Pollet.

This year's People's Service will take place as part of the St Peter's parish event at Sylvans Football Club.

The service will be taken by Reverend Adrian Datta and follow Service of  Thanksgiving which was held on 9 May 1946 in Candie Gardens to mark the first anniversary of the island's liberation.

A full programme of music and entertainment will take place throughout the day at Castle Cornet. Programme details to follow.

Islanders are invited to attend this year's Liberation Day service in the Town Church, the final one to be led by the Very Reverend Tim Barker before his retirement.

The Dean of Guernsey, who retires at the end of July, will lead the service, welcoming dignitaries, veterans and members of the public to Town Church.

The 2026 church service will commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Thanksgiving Service held on 9 May 1946, when hundreds gathered at Candie Gardens one year after Guernsey's liberation.

As usual, the 11am service is open for anyone to attend in-person at the church on a first-come-first-served basis, with a livestream also available to watch on the screen on the Albert Pier, alongside additional seating.

A service of thanksgiving will also be held in the parish of St Pierre du Bois, at Sylvans S.C., at 10 am on Liberation Day. This service will closely follow the content of the Candie Gardens church service on the very first Liberation Day in 1946, and all members of the public are invited to attend. 

The Crown Pier will become home to the Children's Zone for the day with  a range of activities and entertainment for the younger members of the familiy, including the Youth Commission bus and (small) skate ramp, a craft tent run by Trinity Church, shows from Guernsey Bubbles, facepainters and hairbraiders, the Little Pickles chair-o-plane ride and go-karts, the UpClimbing wall and plenty more!

There will also be the opportunity to meet some Royal Golden Guernsey Goats and find out a bit more about this native breed.

Following the success of 2025, the Liberation Tea Tent will return to Crown Pier on 9 May, this year made possible through the generous support of Hedosophia.

In collaboration once again with the Old Government House Hotel (OGH) and GROW, the tent will provide a quieter space for islanders to relax and enjoy a cup of tea and freshly baked treats this Liberation Day.

The teams will be running the tent from 11am to 5pm, serving goods they prepared together in the run-up to the day, with all proceeds going to the local charity.

Seating will be available for 150 people.

This year's food and drink village will be positioned on the Albert Pier alongside the music stage and big screen.

The village will open all day from 11am until the end of the day's celebrations at 10.30pm and feature a range of food and drink concessions.

Seating will be available.

Following the huge success of the vintage fair last year we are delighted Downs Fair will be joining us again brining the Helter Skelter, Carousel, Chair-o-plane and Austin Cars.

The Fair will operate from 11am to 8pm on the 9th May and from 10.30am to 5pm on Sunday. Rides will be £3.50 each.

A quiet hour will be held on Sunday 10 May from 9.30-10.30am.

Artisan, craft and charity stallholders will line the South Esplanade showcasing locally made products.

The Aztec inflatable pitch will be up and running to test your football skills.

Dance zone timetable tbc.

Over 100 military vehicles, vintage cars, motorbikes and tractors will form this year’s Liberation Day Cavalcade.

The cavalcade will follow the usual coastal route from Torteval to St Peter Port with a short stop at Pembroke. The Cavalcade will arrive in St Peter Port and form up a static display on the seafront.

The Cavalcade will arrive in town at 3pm and will form up a static display on the seafront where people will have the chance to see the vehicles up close and speak to the drivers and owners.

The cavalcade will leave the seafront at 5pm.

9:15pm | Fireworks

The Last of the Light Brigade will end the day's commemorative and celebratory events.

We hope you have a great day!