Bailiwick Events Programme
A variety of Liberation Day events will take place across the island both on Liberation Day and throughout the week.
You can find the full list of Liberation Day celebrations below.
Parish Events
Where?
Market Square
What?
Talent Show
Festiva
La Guaine du Vouest
Magic Mirror Box – ID cards
Craft stalls
T shirt printing
Bouncy castles
Chloe Ferguson Bubbles
Majorettes
Scavenger hunt (Crown Pier)
Gandeys Circus Performers
Full L'Eree programme can be found below.
For information on busses, click here
On 9 May, in addition to the standard bus service, bespoke, pre-booked routes are being provided at 11.10pm from the L'Eree bus stop and car park opposite the old L'Eree Hotel, to enable attendees of the St Pierre du Bois Parish Celebrations to travel home safely and cater to predicted additional demand. It is important to note that these services are on a prebooked basis only.
The bus routes for these pre-booked buses will be as follows:
- ROUTE ONE: Perelle - Vazon Bay - Cobo Bay - Grandes Rocques - Port Soif - Hougue du Pommier - L'Aumone & the Rohais
- ROUTE TWO: Longfrie - Bas Courtils - St Martin's Village - Town Terminus
- ROUTE THREE: Torteval - Airport - St Martin's Village - Town Terminus
- ROUTE FOUR: Mont Saint - Kings Mills - Saumarez Park - L'Islet - L'Ancresse - Bordeaux - The Bridge
Tickets are first-come, first-served, and can be pre-booked here:
https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/govgg/e-jqgxgp
Once these free tickets have been allocated, those unsuccessful who are attending L'Eree celebrations are strongly advised to have planned alternative travel home, as there won't be additional capacity on these pre-booked night buses.
Tickets for wheelchair users for each route are available under the 11.05pm ticket option. Those who do not require a wheelchair can book on the 11.10pm option for every route - please be aware, passengers booking a standard ticket may be required to stand for all or part of the journey.
Users should note, despite showing slightly different times, the wheelchair and nonwheelchair tickets are for the same bus services - the different times are simply a mechanism for ensuring users book the correct ticket.
Where?
Queens Hotel, 14:00 - 19:00
What?
Live music
Free hog roasts
Free nuggets and chips for the children
Face painting
Magician
Bubbles and more
Liberation 80 Celebration at the Last Post
Where? The Last Post
When? 10 May, 11.30 onwards
What?
Festivities kick off from 11:30am at the Last Post in St Andrews, with something for everyone; live music, bouncy castles, a hog roast, Crown and Anchor, ice cream vendor, and an outdoor bar.
Come and enjoy a great community day out as we commemorate this important moment in Guernsey’s history!
When?
- Sunday 11 May
What?
Torteval’s Anglican and Methodist churches will hold a joint Celebration Service at 11:00.
From 14:00 to 17:00, refreshments will be available in the church.
The church will be open and decorated, with an exhibition featuring wartime accounts from evacuees, residents, and others who lived through the five years of German occupation and the Liberation.
Vale Parish will be hosting an invite only tea party on Saturday 10 May.
Wider Island Events
In celebration of 80 years of freedom, a variety of events will be held across the island throughout the week of Liberation Day.
You can find a full list of all Liberation Day events below.
The official Event Programme can be accessed here
If you are hosting a public event, get in touch via [email protected]
This year marks 80 years since the liberation of Guernsey and therefore Elizabeth College’s return from exile. To mark the occasion, we are inviting the island community to be part of this moment of remembrance and celebration.
College Hall will be open on Saturday 3 May, from 10:00am to 12:00 noon, for a unique and informative Exile Exhibition that brings to life the incredible wartime journey of Elizabeth College students and staff. Guests will have the opportunity to explore rarely seen original photographs, handwritten journals, wartime editions of The Elizabethan, and poignant memorabilia that tell the story of courage, resilience and flourishing.
Whether people have a personal connection to those who were evacuated, or simply a passion for Guernsey’s rich wartime history, we wish to share this opportunity to see and feel Elizabeth College’s history with islanders.
The exhibition captures the initial evacuation and exile through the eyes of the students themselves, shedding light on a time that tested the spirit of the College and ultimately shaped its legacy. Large-scale photographs from the College’s years in Derbyshire will be displayed around the Hardcourt in front of the Main Building, offering a striking visual prelude to the exhibition inside College Hall.
Background on the exile:
On June 20, 1940, just days before the German occupation of Guernsey, Principal Rev. W.H.G. Milnes led 150 Elizabeth College students and staff in evacuating the island. Milnes had been instrumental in convincing the Lieutenant-Governor of the urgent need to protect the island’s children. After coordinating with officials, he secured passage on a Dutch cargo ship bound for Weymouth, England.
Following a brief stay in Oldham, Milnes relocated the College to Great Hucklow, Derbyshire, where it operated as a boarding school throughout WWII. Initially housed in holiday chalets and a gliding club hangar, the College later moved to more suitable premises at Whitehall and Florence Nightingale House.
Milnes negotiated with the Derbyshire Education Committee for supplies, and makeshift classrooms served multiple purposes including dining halls. Despite limited facilities—no gym, playing field, or proper baths—students adapted. They played sports, built a bathing pool
from an old pond, and crafted boats from quarry rail trucks. Academic life continued with exams still running and the ongoing publication of the Elizabethan Magazine.
Winters brought new experiences like tobogganing, unfamiliar to the Guernsey students. Few imagined it would be over five years before they returned home. Elizabeth College finally reopened in Guernsey in October 1945, after repairs to the main building, which had been used as German military headquarters.
Elizabeth College Principal Jenny Palmer said:
“I am pleased to be able to open Elizabeth College to the Guernsey community and share some of the fascinating artifacts, photographs and memorabilia from the College archives. Our students in both the Junior and Upper School have been exploring the themes of Liberation and what life was like for Elizabeth College during the years in exile as it is important that we pass these memories down to younger generations. I hope that people take the opportunity to come and visit this exhibition and share their personal family stories of the war years with us.”
The Exile Exhibition is open to the general public on Saturday 3 May 10 am to 12 noon.
Liberation 80: The Lectures | 4th -16th May
A series of 9 lectures at the Town Church by Chris Oliver and Steve Le Prevost. Entry is free and you can book a ticket on Eventbrite.
British Commandos in the Channel Islands (1.5 hours):
Sunday 4th May, 8pm
Join all the landings in the Channel Islands with the newly formed Commandos (some with local connections). Churchill’s orders to ‘set Europe ablaze’, led to raids in the islands with repercussions in the Nurnberg condemned cells.
Finding Your Military Ancestor (1 hour):
Monday 5th May, 7pm
Military history is becoming more popular as is the close connection to personal family history. Learn how to gain the initial information, from all the agencies, and then take it to the next level, very often with surprising results.
Liberation 1943 - Operation Coverlet (1 hour):
Tuersday 6th May, 7pm
Long before Operation Nest Egg a second front was in the planning with COSSAC. Find out about Mountbatten’s plan to invade Guernsey and the 2023 Sandhurst sponsored wargame used released secret British documents.
Operation Basalt - The Raid on Sark (1.5 hours): Sunday 11th May, 8pm
Whilst the British rejoiced in London, on Sark the Germans were finding bodies. A ruthless band of independents, engaged in one of the most outstanding operations by a small-scale raiding party of WW2.
Operation to Liberate Guernsey: Monay 12th May, 7pm
Delves into the preparation involved in liberating the islands. Archived and eyewitness information along with sight of the Operation Nest Egg paperwork, feed into this interesting narrative.
A Day in the Life of the Occupying Forces: Tuesday 13th May, 7pm
Join an average German Soldier and his perspective of the occupation. A man missing his wife, children, parents, or sweethearts and how they felt about being here. What was their experience?
What if the Germans Never Invaded?: Thursday 15th May, 7pm
In an alternative history this hypothetical scenario starts where the world stood in 1939. Then examine what a British defeat at Dunkirk excludes them in the war against Germany. We examine how the events unfold.
Inspiring Youngsters to remember: Friday 16th May, 7pm
A gateway lecture aimed at schools and youth groups, to sow the seed of interest in the history of this island’s Occupation (a mash-up of the previous three lectures using youngster friendly language).
Lecturers:
Chris Oliver
A well-known speaker on Military History around the islands. He has made several programmes for the BBC, Wildfire Productions, Channel 4 and ITV. He is a guest lecturer at Sandhurst and Cambridge University. Chris is co-founder & Chairman of the Royal Guernsey Light Infantry
Steve Le Prevost
Also a well-known local speaker and author Steve helps bring life to some of the most interesting parts of our military past.
Guided Tours | 4th, 5th 8th & 11th
Tours of Guernsey is running four tours in the week surrounding Liberation Day. For more information click on the links below:
Sunday 4 May, 2.15pm: Liberation 80: Batterie Scharnhorst Tour - Journey into history | Visit Guernsey
Monday 5 May, 10.15am: Liberation 80: Batterie Mirus Tour - Journey into history | Visit Guernsey
Thursday 8 May, 10am:Liberation 80: Occupation Explorer Tour | Visit Guernsey
Sunday 11 May, 10am and 11am: Liberation 80: German Underground Hospital Tour | Visit Guernsey
St Peter's Church Exhibition | 7th May - 26th June
Liberation Ball - Celebrating 80 Years of Freedom | 8th
Thursday 8 May
St Pierre Park
19.00 - 23.30
Immerse yourself in the spirit of 1945 with:
✨ A three-course dinner featuring delicious dishes inspired by the era.
✨ Live musical entertainment with the best of the Rat Pack, vintage divas, and heartfelt World War II sing-alongs.
✨ Room decked in red white and blue and a dance floor perfect for an evening of celebration and remembrance.
Dress to impress in vintage or formal attire and celebrate the resilience, freedom, and community of Guernsey.
For tickets, please click here
Thursday 8th May, 7pm
St James
Come and join Festiva as they celebrate 80 years of Liberation, alongside 40 years of the choir and St James as a concert venue, under their musical director, Andrew Warren. They are joined by guests, including the local choir, the Kintsugi Singers.
The programme will include choral items and solo items, as well as the traditional Festiva ‘Last night of the Proms’ section.
For tickets please click here
Float Blessing & Bell Ringing | 8th
The St Peter Port float will be blessed outside of Town Church by Reverend Penny Greysmith at 18.30, followed by a bell ringing to mark the occasion.
Island Rib Voyages Towers and Bunkers Cruises | 8th, 15th & 20th
Thursday 8th May, 12pm
Thursday 15th May, 2:30pm
Tuesday 20th May, 4pm
Cost: £42.50 per adult and £32.50 per child
Booking: to book tickets please click here
Duration: Cruise lasts 75 minutes
Friday 9th May, 10am
L'Eree
A People's Service of Thanksgiving will be held at L'Eree as part of the St Pierre du Bois parish event.
The service will be taken by Reverend Adrian Datta from the parish church.
All are welcome.
Friday 9th May, 10am
Cobo Slipway
A special service to bless the flag on the Grosse Rocque. The service will be followed by refreshments at the Cobo Community Centre, organised by Sally Chick and the Martel family.
There will be a Grand Liberation Day raffle with some super prizes.
St Andrews Church Service | 9th
KGV Liberation Family Fun Day | 9th
Friday 9th May, 12pm - 7pm
KGV
Come and celebrate Liberation Day here at the KGV Playing Fields! With live music from 12.30pm - 7pm, bouncy castles, Little Pickles Rides and so much more, it's a great day out for all the family!
The Legends Terrace Bar will be open and there will be food so bring your blanket and make a day of it.
FREE entry to all!
Liberation day at Canvas 18+
For more information click here
Friday 9th May – 6.30pm
Saturday 10th May – 12 noon, 3pm & 6pm
Sunday 11th May – 12 noon, 3pm & 6pm
Monday 12th May – 6.30pm
Cambridge Park
To book tickets please click here
Saturday 10th May, 7.30pm
Albert Pier
Guernsey Glee Singers - 80th Liberation Concert | 11th
Sunday 11th May, 3pm
St Saviour's Church
Directed by Lydia Pugh this concert will bring the Glee Singers to the church for the first time. Note this is a Sunday afternoon concert with a Liberation theme.
Vale Parish Church Service | 11th
Sunday 11th May
Vale Parish Church
A special Liberation Day service to celebrate 80 years of Liberation, including memories of the occupation.
After the service there will be refreshments and special Liberation biscuits. There will also be an exhibition of memorabilia in the church.
All welcome.
Further details from the Rector on 01481 244088
Operation 'Merit', Alderney | 15th - 17th
Thursday, 15 May
| 2pm | Open afternoon at camp |
Friday, 16 May
| 8.30am | Force 135 assembly at Alderney school |
| AM | Open morning at camp |
| 11am |
Braye Harbour: welcome, drumhead service of commemoration with Rev.D.Knight following by a drill display. |
| 11.30am |
Parade from Harbour to 'Peacehaven', Braye Road |
| 3pm |
Force 135 parade and drill display following by a short ceremony and raising of the Union flag outside the Island Hall. Route: Les Rocquettes - Victoria Street - QE II Street - Church Street to Connaught Square and return after ceremony |
| 4pm |
Open afternoon at camp |
Saturday, 17 May
| 9am | Open morning at camp |
Sark Liberation Day
