Floats join the Liberation Day cavalcade after a decade’s absence

Liberation Day organisers have confirmed the 2025 Cavalcade will be the biggest yet, with over 250 vehicles expected to take part.  An enhanced Cavalcade is held every five years and the community is encouraged to get involved by building floats, decorating bikes and wheelchairs or joining as a pedestrian. 

Denise Fawcett, Cavalcade Floats Co-ordinator, said, ‘The Cavalcade is a highlight of the Liberation Day celebrations, and the creativity and effort that go into the floats and creating bike and pedestrian entries are what make it truly special. We're always thrilled to welcome both new and returning participants to showcase their designs and help us create a spectacular event for everyone to enjoy.’ 

‘If anyone wants to get involved but doesn’t know where to start, we can help match people up with vehicles and give advice on what does and doesn’t work.  You’ll be at the heart of the celebrations and, with over 10,000 people expected in St Peter Port, it’s an excellent opportunity to raise awareness for your charity or organisation.’ 

Parishes, charities, organisations, families and groups of friends are invited to enter floats into the Cavalcade.  Grants of £750 - £1,500, depending on the size of the float, are available to cover expenses to enable everyone to take part. 

‘We’re absolutely delighted to welcome the floats and community participation back to the Cavalcade.’ said Deputy Sue Aldwell, Committee for Education, Sport and Culture. The pandemic in 2020 meant we couldn’t mark the 75th anniversary in our traditional way, so it’s been ten years since we saw the spectacle of the Cavalcade parading through St Peter Port.’ 

‘Liberation Day is a day for the whole community and I’d love to see as many people as possible get involved, either behind the scenes making and decorating a float or on the day waving their flags or walking as part of the parade.’ 

Bowel Cancer Guernsey’s Dr Rachel Heath has been involved in making floats in previous years and is looking forward to being involved again in 2025. ‘Bowel Cancer Guernsey feel it is incredibly important to support this local event. Many of the charity’s board have direct relations to the Liberation, such as my own grandparents who witnessed the liberation at White Rock, and our directors whose father was evacuated during the war.’ 

The Cavalcade will end with static displays of all the vehicles and floats from 4pm, allowing islanders to take a closer look and speak to the owners.   

For more information and to make an entry to the Cavalcade, click here.

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