Five parishes plan to put on parties for Liberation Day

In recent years there has been a greater focus on parishes holding events, rather than having the main focus on Town events, put on by the States.

Vale, St Peter’s and St Andrew’s and Castel have confirmed they would be putting on events, with those in St Peter Port run both by the parish and the States.

Overall, Liberation Day organising committee member Deputy Sue Aldwell had her fingers crossed for good weather.

‘We have had a long journey coming out of Covid and we need so celebrate our 79th anniversary of our Liberation whether that is in town, in the parishes or at home,’ she said.

‘With so much going on in the world its a chance to be thankful for the beautiful place we live and our freedom. We had some feedback on last year and have added more activities for children and a St Peter Port focus.

'All the parishes had been offered help and we are thankful for those who were taking part, but I completely understand those who have decided not to hold an event.’

A cruise ship had been due to visit on Liberation Day – the 1,685-capacity Borealis – but that has been cancelled due to an itinerary change.

‘Next year we will have the whole of Town for the celebrations and two and a half times the budget, as its our 80th Liberation Day,’ said Deputy Aldwell.

She said that St Peter’s and St Peter Port were still looking for volunteers to help on the day.

‘It would be wonderful if people could give up a few hours to help,’ she said. ‘Anyone available should contact the constables offices.’

St Peter Port constable Jenny Tasker said that members of the douzaine had been working incredibly hard to prepare for the big day.

‘We have lots of events planned mostly around Market Square,’she said. ‘We should be able to produce a wonderful day for parishoners and islanders.’

Vale senior constable Richard Leale confirmed it would stage a tea party at the douzaine room in a very similar in style to last year.

‘It is specifically for the elderly residents of the parish,’ he said.

‘Last year we had more people attend than anticipated so this year it will be by invitation.’

St Peter’s constable Tim Langmead said the parish would once again concentrating celebrations around a marquee at L’Eree headland. It will be the same format as the last few years, with entertainment from around 11am until 9.45pm, and a pause when the cavalcade goes past.

‘It has proved popular over the last few years,’ he said.

Events in St Andrew’s will be concentrated around the Last Post pub.

Senior constable Martin Thwaite said this was a collaboration between the parish, representatives of the Vale Earth Fair and the pub landlord.

‘We provide some of the funding and marshalling and organise and pay for things like the road closure outside,’ he said.

‘It’s proven to be a popular event and this year will be similar to the last few years. It's all based around music with a marquee and stage at the back and more acoustic music at the front. It tends to start quiet and get a bit louder and then moves inside around 7pm.

‘It will be the same family-friendly event as usual with a bouncy castle, face painting and all the usual fun events. This year we will be adding a game of crown and anchor too.’

Castel douzenier Jo May said the parish was still waiting to confirm final details.

‘It will probably be similar to recent years,’ she said, ‘with events at Vazon to coincide with the passing of the cavalcade.’

n Full details of events can be found on at www.liberationday.gg.