Music festival to celebrate 80th Liberation Day

Liberation Day is celebrated on 9 May every year

A new two-day music festival and sporting events have been announced as part of plans to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Liberation Day in Jersey.

The occupation of the Channel Islands by Nazi Germany during World War Two lasted five years with the islands being the only part of the British Isles to be occupied during the war.

Organisers said the 80th anniversary was "especially important" and would provide an opportunity for those that lived through the occupation to share their stories.

The traditional Liberation Day service will take place alongside the re-enactment, with further events to be held.

'Be proud'

The Bailiff, Sir Timothy Le Cocq, said the public had helped "shape thoughts and views about Liberation 80".

He said: "I am grateful for the work of the panel and its commitment to establishing such an interesting programme for 2025.

"All islanders will have an opportunity to remember, learn about and celebrate Liberation Day and to think about and be proud of Jersey and its identity."

The traditional Liberation Day service will take place alongside the re-enactment

New events include a two-day Liberation Music Festival over the weekend of 9 May and the Liberation Games, consisting of a variety of sports and activities to bring parishes together to compete against each other.

A Jersey-wide "open house" will encourage organisations and businesses to "open their respective archives" to show how they contribute to the island and provide "insight into the history, operation and position of each organisation in Jersey".

Parish parties and activities will also take place across the island, with St John announcing plans to add a church service, exhibition and family fun day to its celebrations.

'Our island history'

Mr Le Cocq said the events would be a time for celebrating and reflecting Jersey's history.

He said: "This anniversary year will be an important time, not only for those who had first-hand experience of the Second World War, but also for our younger generations who learn about this part of our island story.

"It is important that we remember and maintain the values of freedom, peace, inclusivity and community in Jersey - that we learn the lessons of the Occupation."

The logo from 2020 has been repurposed for a special reason

The Bailiff's Chamber said the official Liberation 80 logo was based on one which was first created in 2020 and inspired by the first-hand account of islander Enid de Gruchy, who passed away in 2024.

Organisers said: "Enid was four when Jersey was liberated.

"She recalled going into St Helier on Liberation Day with her family and a soldier giving her her first ever sweet.

"It was felt to be fitting to keep the legacy of her story alive in this year's logo."