06 May 2014
This Friday (9 May) marks the 69th anniversary of Liberation Day, and the events organised for the day are detailed below.
The morning events are ceremonial and are focused in Liberation Square and Weighbridge Place.
The more informal afternoon arrangements centre on Weighbridge Place.
This year, a section of seating has been allocated to the public in Liberation Square and free tickets are now available on a first come, first served basis from the main reception of Royal Court House/States Building (Old Library entrance) in the Royal Square.
All seats will have to be taken at the very latest by 10.30am, before being reallocated to the general public on the day itself. There will be a queue system in operation for any spare seats that might become available on the day at the gate entrance opposite the Southampton Hotel. Demand is expected to be high so if you would like a seat, book early.
A raised public viewing platform will be located immediately behind the amphitheatre to provide an improved viewing point for members of the public.
The formal ceremonial arrangements, led by the Bailiff of Jersey, Sir Michael Birt
| 09:35 |
La Ronde Concert Band to start performing in Liberation Square until 10:18. |
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| 09:40 |
Band of the Island of Jersey to commence playing in the Royal Square until 10:05. |
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| 10:05 |
Arrival of the Bailiff, Sir Michael Birt, and Lady Birt at Church Street entrance to the States/Court Building. |
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| 10:10 |
Arrival of His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor, General Sir John McColl, KCB CBE DSO and Lady McColl at Church Street entrance to the States/Court Building. |
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| 10:15 |
Parade 1 - moves from Vine Street, arriving at Liberation Square at 10:20. The Jersey Scout Band, Jersey Guides and Standards, Jersey Boys Brigade and Standards and Jersey Girls Brigade and Standards. |
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| 10:20 |
Parade 2 - moves from Vine Street, arriving at Liberation Square at 10:25. The Band of the Island of Jersey, Jersey Field Squadron, Parochial Standards, Jersey Sea Cadets, Army Cadet Force, Victoria College Combined College Cadet Force, Air Training Corps, St John Ambulance Brigade, Colours and Standards of ex-service organisations, Members and Veterans. |
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| 10:30 |
Special States Meeting presided over by the Bailiff, Sir Michael Birt, with key address given by the Chief Minister, Senator Ian Gorst, finishing at 10:40/10:45. The sitting and address will be broadcast live on screens located in Liberation Square and Weighbridge Place. |
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| 10:50 |
Parade 3 - The States led by the Jersey Pipe Band, moves from the Royal Square to Liberation Square via Church Street and Mulcaster Street arriving at 10:55
Parade 4 - The Court led by the Band of the Island of Jersey, moves from the Royal Square to Liberation Square via Church Street and Mulcaster Street arriving at 10:58. |
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| 11:00 |
Service of Thanksgiving led by the Dean of Jersey, the Very Rev Robert Key.
Speech by the Bailiff. |
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| 11:25 |
Performance by solo artist from Jersey International Music Festival (David McCann – Cello). |
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| 11:30 |
Re-enactment of Liberation including performance of ‘Beautiful Jersey’ by Sadie Rennard. |
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| 11:50 |
Musical Performances by Optimistic Voices and choirs/band. |
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| 12:20 |
Retiring parade from main stage in Liberation Square to Saluting Dais in front of Pomme d’Or Hotel. |
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| 12:30 |
Final parade of marching contingents and drive past of motor cavalcade. |
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Please note that all times are approximate.
A new final parade route will be included starting at Liberty Square (the podium) along the Esplanade (heading east), in front of the Pomme d’Or Hotel, turning immediately left then right in front of the Royal Yacht Hotel and across Weighbridge Place. The parade then returns along La Route de La Liberation (heading west). The vehicle parade route is the same except it concludes up Mulcaster Street and into Pier Road (heading east).
A new static display location on La Route de La Liberation from 0945Hrs in the westbound carriageway of old military and vintage vehicles.
The informal arrangements in the Weighbridge, led by Jersey Tourism
All afternoon events will be focused in Weighbridge Place and give Islanders and visitors the opportunity to celebrate freedom and reconciliation. The programme of events begins at 12:30 and finishes at 17:00.
The 1940s tea dance and Liberation street party will include:
- a food fair - animated stalls selling a range of local food and drinks with a 1940s flavour
- specialist stalls e.g. vintage clothing and confectionary from the 1940s
- themed vintage afternoon tea
- Jersey Big Band and other musicians
- 1940s dancers and street theatre
- vintage vehicles serving food and a themed photo booth
- big screen broadcasting of archive footage and clips and music from films.
Entertainment will include:
- Natasha Harper, a professional wartime tribute singer from the UK
- the Jersey Big Band
- Optimistic Voices
- Acappella Brass ensemble
- the Jersey Hoppers.
There will be a dance floor and anyone can join in with the dancing and the public and visitors are welcome to come along in vintage dress and embrace the spirit of the day.
Full printed programmes will be available to the public on the day and will also be available for download on this website.
gov.je