Sark's Liberation Day celebration events announced

The government said the Princess Royal is due to meet Sark's residents on 9 May

Sark's government has announced a programme of events to commemorate Liberation Day.

The Princess Royal is due to meet islanders on 10 May as part of the events marking 80 years since the Bailiwick was liberated from Nazi occupation during World War Two.

The four-day programme from 8 to 11 May includes the lighting of a beacon at Pilcher's Monument to mark VE Day and the unveiling of an 80th Liberation Day plaque at The Avenue.

The tourism committee said the celebrations "will blend solemn remembrance with joyful festivities, honouring the resilience and spirit of the Sark community".

A procession of the flame that will light the beacon is planned to mark the beginning of the commemorations

The government said a symbolic procession on 8 May to Sark Prison featuring a flame that will light the beacon will mark the beginning of the commemorations.

On 10 May, the date Sark was liberated, there will be an opportunity to meet Chelsea Pensioners and Gurkhas at The Avenue and a street party after the unveiling of the plaque with performances, events and games.

On 11 May islanders are encouraged to dress up and take part in a cavalcade to St Peter's Church and the Millennium Field.

In the afternoon a theatre sketch called The Dame of Sark and a screening of Appointment with Venus, a film set in the Occupation of Sark, will follow the school's Liberation display.

Jean Morin, President of the Department of La Manche in Normandy, will visit the island for the celebrations to further strengthen the ties between the regions, the government added.