Jersey Liberation Day 2025: What events are planned

Liberation Square will host some of the events to mark the annual remembrance and celebration

A re-enactment, a music event and a cavalcade will be part of the events held in Jersey to mark Liberation Day.

This year it is the 80th anniversary of when German occupying forces surrendered in World War Two.

Liberation Day will also become an official national holiday on the island for the first time.

Breakfast and tea

The Town Hall will host breakfast and tea parties

The annual Liberation Day breakfast will start the celebrations for some on Friday.

Surviving islanders who were in Jersey during the Occupation, service personal, internees and evacuees will get together for a buffet.

The event will take place from 07:30 BST in the Town Hall, St Helier.

Service of thanksgiving

Liberation Square will be the setting for the service

A service and re-enactment will then be held in Liberation Square, St Helier, at 11:00.

As part of this there will be a re-enactment of Force 135's arrival into Liberation Square followed by a performance of Beautiful Jersey the new official National Anthem.

Limited seats in Liberation Square are available on a first come first served basis for those wishing to attend the ceremony and service of thanksgiving led by The Dean of Jersey, the Very Reverend Mike Keirle.

There will be some reserved seating which will be allocated by the parishes to senior citizens and their families, residents in Jersey during the Occupation, evacuees and those who were deported as well as those who served in the war.

March and motorcade

The cavalcade will head along Coast Road before winding to a halt at the La Fontain Tavern

At 12:00 BST a march past will take place in front of the Pomme d'Or Hotel, which will be followed by the vintage vehicle motorcade.

The cavalcade will follow along Coast Road, past La Rocque, Gorey, St.Martin Church, Trinity Church, St.John Church before stopping at the La Fontain Tavern in St John.

The parade will include vehicles from the Jersey Old Motor Club and The Jersey Military Vehicle Group.

Opera house reopens

The opera house will have a grand reopening

The iconic opera house is to reopen after five years of refurbishments to host two Liberation Day concerts.

The concerts at the Grade II listed building will see the Philharmonia Orchestra playing World War Two songs performed by Jersey singer Georgie Mae-Bishop.

Music festival

A music festival will run from 9 to 18 May with events at venues including Hamptonne, Gorey Harbour, Rozel Fort.

According to Music in Action, there is a theme of escape and reflecting joy through music, hoping to celebrate the anniversary.

Local artists featured include Matthew Lombard on saxophone, Jersey Academy of Music Saxophone ensemble and the Jersey Chamber Choir.

Liberation Day party

Crowds will be entertained in the middle of St Helier

Islanders have been invited to Weighbridge Place for a free Liberation Day party from 12:45.

There will be performances by the Jersey Hoppers, StepByStep Dance School and Performers Jersey as well as local food stalls.

Games and celebrations

For the first time, this year Jersey's parishes will be competing in various sporting events and fun-filled competitions throughout the day.

The events will be arranged by the island's constables.

The games are already under way to honour the anniversary.

Year 6 pupils from all primary schools across the island will participate over four days at FB fields, Springfield Stadium and Les Quennevais Sports Centre.

Parish tea parties and get togethers are also set to shape the day for many across the island.