Liberation Day Cavalcade Returns with new Director

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

While following the usual coastal route from Torteval to St Peter Port via a short stop at Pembroke, the cavalcade falls under new leadership for 2026 as long-time director Jeff Vidamour steps down.  

‘Jeff has held the role of Cavalcade Director for over two decades and led the charge with the largest cavalcade in Liberation Day history in 2025 with over 300 vehicles and floats taking part for the 80th anniversary,’ said Deputy Andy Cameron, Vice-President and Liberation Day Lead for the Committee for Education, Sport & Culture. 

‘His legacy directing the cavalcade and the subsequent impact the event has had for the public on Liberation Day is a very special one. We thank him for all his time and energy, and we are looking forward to continuing this event with Paul Bourgaize, who takes over as Director.’ 

Paul Bourgaize has been involved in the cavalcade for numerous years, having driven an MV in the 1985 Cavalcade, before spearheading the military vehicles involvement on the committee since 2010. 

Paul added: ‘The cavalcade is an essential part of Liberation Day, with so many people coming out to see the vehicles drive along the West Coast and into town, and it is so special for those taking part. 

‘A lot of work goes on behind the scenes to get the 100 vehicles to the start in Torteval on 9 May and having worked with Jeff on the event for a number of years, it is an honour to take the baton from him.’ 

This year’s procession will leave from Torteval Church at 12.15pm before following the coast road around the north. Vehicles will stop for a short time at Pembroke at approximately 1.45pm ahead of their final arrival into town at 3pm where they will form a static display along the seafront for islanders to see the vehicles up close and speak to the drivers. 

The 2026 Cavalcade is still available to sponsor. If you are interested, please get in touch with Liberation Day Event Organiser, Natalie Davidson, at [email protected] or call 01481 729229.