Events began with a people’s service of thanksgiving, a 1940s audience singalong, and a performance from the Biberach Youth Orchestra.
And with a people’s parade on the roadside where islanders enthusiastically waved their flags, a steady stream of live music in the air, a royal visit, dance performances, cheerleaders, bouncy castles and food trucks – St Peter’s came together to rejoice in the sun and party like it was 1945.
‘We’re super excited to show what we’ve got,’ said Chyla Street, cheerleading coach for Rebellion Allstars whose athletes between the ages of three and 65 performed routines in the middle of the crowds.
A group of six local artists showcased their work on the side of a military vehicle that took place in the parade.
Event organiser Anne Thomas said she wanted the day to be full of remembrance, celebration and, especially, education.
‘I’m really pleased with how the day has turned out,’ she said.
‘What I’ve tried to do is incorporate something for all generations so that it’s a really full community event. This is what the West does well, people coming together. We’re really blessed to have the beach where the children can play, there’s music all day and something for everyone. The important thing for me is that it was also about education, so that it’s not lost on the younger generation.’
Princess Anne was welcomed with a performance from a local theatre school which included the reading of a poem written by local resident, Sally Robert. The poem was her creative take on a letter she had found that her late father-in-law had kept.
‘I didn’t expect them to read it out, it feels amazing,’ she said.
Before speaking with the parishioners who had lived through the Occupation, Princess Anne was invited into the focal point of the event – the memories tent.
Inside lay books, pictures and film showcasing the island’s history. Her Royal Highness was presented with two of the Guernsey Past and Present books from one of its two authors, Marco Tersigni, who said he had a ‘soft spot’ for the Princess.
‘She was really happy to have the books, I feel very privileged,’ he said.
‘This is actually a hobby and now I’m giving books to the Royal family – it’s amazing.’
The RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team had to cancel their drop display, due to the high winds.
‘We’re gutted, it was a really tough call,’ said flight lieutenant Dom Compton-Davies, who flew over just for the day.
‘Though the weather is nice here on the beach, as you go up to the altitude of 250 to 500ft, the winds are too strong. Our lighter guys would actually go backwards in their canopies, so it was a safety call that had to be made.’
But the spirit of the crowds was unwavering, and Ms Thomas said she wanted to thank Stuart Perfitt and the team at Rocq Capital for sponsoring the occasion.
‘We’re pleased and proud to be associated with it,’ said Mr Perfitt. His English bulldog Reg was a hit with Princess Anne.
‘The amount of work that has gone into bringing the community together has been immense,’ said Deputy Andrea Dudley-Owen, who escorted her Royal Highness on her visit.
‘I think it helps inspire and remind people how important the day is. The Princess was so impressed with the stories and she could have spent a lot longer speaking to people because she was genuinely fascinated.’
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