Tens of thousands set to celebrate 70th Liberation
A THIRD of the island's population are expected to fill the streets of St Peter Port today to celebrate 70 years since Guernsey was liberated from wartime occupation.
An array of celebrations will kick off with the Liberation military march from Les Ozouets to Footes Lane at 10am and will end with the fireworks at 9.35pm.
Culture and Leisure Minister Mike O'Hara said he was expecting a huge turnout for the special anniversary, with around 20,000 people filling the streets.
'We are expecting big crowds,' he said.
'This is the climax of 18 months' planning. I think there will be a lot of excitement.
'People have said this could be the last one, but, as far as I'm concerned, it won't be.'
As well as a royal visit from the Countess of Wessex, there is a huge cavalcade of nearly 140 vehicles which will convene at Salerie Corner at 2.30pm for a parade through Town.
The morning church service at Footes Lane at 10.40am is also expected to be busy, although there is still standing room available around the track.
n The piers and Salerie Corner are closed for the celebrations, but there is a free park and ride service, with parking available at Waitrose and at the top of the Val des Terres from 9am until 5pm. There is also park and ride services for the blue badge holders from Lukis House and Sir Charles Frossard House.
Liberation Day highlights
10am Liberation service at Cobo slipway.
10.30am to 11am
Re-enactment of Operation Omelette at White Rock and North Esplanade.
10.40am to 11.25am Liberation Outdoor Church Service at Footes Lane
12noon till late St Andrew's celebrations at The Last Post.
12.30pm HRH The Countess of Wessex will do a walkabout at the Weighbridge before unveiling a Guernsey granite stone to mark the 70th anniversary. She will continue to the North Esplanade before leaving.
2.30pm to 4.30pm
Condor Liberation Cavalcade between Salerie Corner and the Slaughterhouse.
2.45pm to 4.20pm Look to the Skies. Historic and contemporary aircraft fly by.
4.40pm Parachute drop by the Flying Tigers into Havelet Bay.
5pm to midnight JT LibRockLive at North Beach
7pm to 9pm Gala 70 Liberation Proms at St James
9.35pm to 9.45pm Liberation fireworks over St Peter Port.
(all times are approximate)
