Rare opportunity to fire Castle Cornet's Noon-day Gun this Liberation Day

A special opportunity is being offered this Liberation Day: the chance to fire the famous Noon-day Gun at Castle Cornet.

For the first time, Liberation Day organisers are auctioning the honour of firing the historic gun through a silent auction, with the successful bidder having the opportunity to begin their Liberation Day festivities in the setting of the castle.

The opportunity has been launched to help fund the island's Liberation Day programme, ensuring the continued celebration of one of Guernsey's most important days. Funds raised will go directly towards delivering Liberation Day activities, including the cultural programme that helps younger generations understand the history and significance of the island's liberation on 9 May 1945.

As is tradition, access to Castle Cornet will be free to the public on Liberation Day, with a programme of free entertainment from Guernsey Arts running throughout the day. 

Helen Glencross, MBE, Head of Culture & Heritage Services, said: 

"A Noon-day Gun has been part of Castle Cornet's traditions since at least the early 19th century, when it was fired at midday and again at 21:30hrs as a Curfew Gun to recall soldiers of the garrison back to their barracks. The gun used today is a cast-iron, smooth-bored 32-pounder of the Blomefield pattern, dating to 1799. On Liberation Day, the gun takes on even deeper significance, echoing across St Peter Port in celebration of freedom and in remembrance of Guernsey's wartime history.

"As the successful bidder, you will have the unique honour of firing the gun yourself under the supervision of our Castle Keeper, creating a memorable and dramatic moment to mark the start of your Liberation Day celebrations. 

"Following this, we are pleased that the usual festivities will continue at the Castle throughout the day, which will be free to enter, with a range of fantastic free local acts presented by Guernsey Arts to entertain people of all ages."

Deputy Andy Cameron, Vice-President and Liberation Day Lead for the Committee for Education, Sport & Culture, said:

"Liberation Day has long benefited from a range of generous corporate sponsorship; however, as we have highlighted, that support has declined in recent years. We are incredibly grateful to the businesses who have stepped up this year, but we are also introducing new and creative fundraising opportunities to help deliver our vision for the day's commemorations and celebrations. The opportunity to fire Castle Cornet's Noon-day Gun felt like a fitting and memorable way to do that. 

"I was fortunate to be the first to fire the gun after the Covid lockdown, and it was a fantastic and truly unforgettable experience. It is something I would highly recommend to anyone looking to start Liberation Day in a unique and special way."

How to bid

Bidding for the silent auction is now open, with a minimum bid of £950. 

The successful bidder will need to be available from 11am on Liberation Day for a safety briefing from the Castle Keeper. 

Those wishing to take part should submit their name, bid amount and contact details including a phone number by email to [email protected] by 9am on Friday 17 April.

The successful bidder is welcome to bring friends, family or colleagues to the historic fortress to enjoy the atmosphere and kick off the day's celebrations in a truly unforgettable setting. Hospitality packages and extras can be arranged via the Commercial Events Officer at an additional cost, which should be arranged in advance.