Floats return for 80th Liberation Day cavalcade

Floats were last included during the 70th Liberation Day cavalcade

Community floats will return to the 2025 Liberation Day cavalcade after a 10 year absence, organisers have said.

The organising team said the enhanced cavalcade, which normally takes place every five years, will return for the 80th anniversary after being cancelled in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Parishes, charities, organisations, families and groups of friends are being encouraged to design and enter floats before the deadline at the end of March.

Organisers are offering grants of between £750 and £1500 to cover expenses and enable as many people as possible to take part.

Denise Fawcett, cavalcade floats co-ordinator, said: "The creativity and effort that goes into the floats and creating bike and pedestrian entries are what make it truly special.

"We're always thrilled to welcome both new and returning participants to showcase their designs and help us create a spectacular event for everyone to enjoy.

Mrs Fawcett said her team would be available to help match people up with vehicles and give advice on what does and doesn't work.

'Waving their flags'

Bowel Cancer Guernsey's Rachel Heath has been involved in making floats in previous years and is looking forward to being involved again in 2025.

"Bowel Cancer Guernsey feel it is incredibly important to support this local event," she said.

"Many of the charity's board have direct relations to the Liberation, such as my own grandparents who witnessed the liberation at White Rock, and our directors whose father was evacuated during the war."

Deputy Sue Aldwell, from the the Education, Sport and Culture Committee said: "Liberation Day is a day for the whole community and I'd love to see as many people as possible get involved, either behind the scenes making and decorating a float or on the day waving their flags or walking as part of the parade."