06 February 2015
The 70th anniversary of Jersey's liberation from enemy occupying forces will be commemorated on Saturday 9th May 2015 with a series events.
The planned events, both formal and informal, include:
- the Liberation Grand Parade
- a formal ceremony
- a community afternoon tea party
- a food and entertainment event and a night time finale
All invited
Islanders are invited to join the official events, which are being organised by the Bailiffs Chambers, and which will start at Liberation Square in the early afternoon and conclude at People's Park. It is hoped that many of those in the Island during the Occupation/Liberation, those deported and evacuated and those serving in HM Armed Forces will be able to attend; ticket details will be announced in due course.
Schedule of events
On Friday 8th May there will be a special Island Service of Thanksgiving and Remembrance at the Town Church led by the Dean of Jersey. This will be open to the public, who are warmly invited to attend. On Saturday 9th May the approximate timings of events are as follows
- 11:30am slave workers' memorial service, Westmount Crematorium
- 2pm Liberation grand parade from Liberation Square to People's Park
- 3pm 70th anniversary Liberation ceremony , People's Park which will include a special meeting of the States, an act of remembrance, and a commemorative creative production involving theatre, music and visual concepts
- 4pm community tea party and food fair with informal entertainment by military bands and acts of the era
- 5pm food and entertainment programme to continue into the evening
- 10pm night time finale
The events in People 's Park will be open to the public where there will be food and entertainment. Members of the public will be able to line the Liberation Grand Parade route from Liberation Square to People's Park.
Tickets
Ticket details and how these can be obtained will be announced shortly. Tickets, which will be free, will be required for most of the events. There will also be large areas available in People's Park for unrestricted access.
The Bailiff, Mr William Bailhache said "I hope that the special arrangements to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of Liberation on 9th May will appeal to everyone in our community, young and old, and, in particular, serve to recognize those who endured the Occupation, whether in Jersey or further afield, as well as the memory of those who are no longer with us.
"Let us all embrace the spirit of Liberation and celebrate our privileges and freedoms on this special anniversary. I look forward to meeting Islanders on 9th May at the ceremony and community events to be held in People's Park."
David Filipponi, Chief Officer, Bailiff's Chambers said "We anticipate that the commemorations will be attended by both Islanders and the many people living outside the Island who have a connection to Jersey, especially the Occupation and Liberation years. The event in People's Park will allow sufficient space for all those attending to view proceedings and feel engaged in the celebrations.
"The planning process has been ongoing for some months and it is hoped that the arrangements will bring together people of all ages to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of Liberation."
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