Liberation Day: Guernsey celebrates 77th anniversary

As part of the celebrations, more than 100 military and vintage vehicles are driving in a cavalcade across the island

Islanders are celebrating the 77th anniversary of the end of the German Occupation of Guernsey during World War Two.

The Earl and Countess of Wessex arrived on the island from Jersey on Monday afternoon to attend some of the Liberation Day events.

Events held included live music, a tea dance, picnics and arts and crafts.

More than 100 military and vintage vehicles drove 30 miles across the island in a live-streamed cavalcade.

The first of many vehicles drove past the Chateaux des Tielles nursing home

A variety of vintage vehicles, tractors and bicycles were on display for this year's cavalcade

People of all ages joined in the cavalcade celebrations

Many islanders came together for the first in-person liberation celebration in two years

The cavalcade began at 12:00 GMT in Torteval and finished at 16:45 GMT at Mallard Filter.

Cavalcade director Jeff Vidamour said before the cavalcade there would be plenty of vehicles to see.

"We'll have the normal military vehicles, there will be a load of the Jeep vehicles coming round, there will be an ambulance, a couple of trucks and a variety of old cars.

"This year the Guernsey vintage trackers are coming along with us... so overall it's about 100 vehicles that will be in the cavalcade this year."

Entertainment at the Liberation tea dance included musical bands, singing and dancing

The Bluebird Belles were one of the acts that performed for those at the Liberation tea dance

The Earl and Countess of Wessex attended the Liberation tea dance to meet some of the islanders who lived on the island during the occupation.

'Your beloved island'

The Earl of Wessex passed on a message from the Queen in a speech made at the Liberation tea dance.

On her behalf, he said: "To my most loyal people in the island of Guernsey, I send my warmest greetings on this the 77th anniversary of your Liberation.

"I was interested to learn that this occasion will be commemorated and celebrated by people of all ages, from school children to islanders, and armed forces veterans.

"I'm delighted that the Earl and Countess of Wessex had the opportunity to represent me on this special day on the islands calendar, and in my platinum jubilee year I am most grateful for your continued allegiance and loyalty and I am pleased to reaffirm the close ties that have existed for so long between the crown and the people of the Bailiwick.

"My thoughts and prayers remain with you for your future happiness and the prosperity of your beloved island."

The Earl and Countess of Wessex visited Castle Cornet for an ecumenical service

A 21 gun salute was performed at Castle Cornet

The Earl and Countess of Wessex attended the Ecumenical Service at the Castle Cornet before watching Guernsey Music Service Youth Choir perform Sarnia Cherie, a song long associated with the island's liberation.

Later they watched the cavalcade from the Guernsey yacht club before heading to Government House.

The day was due to end with a fireworks display at Castle Cornet.

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