A music festival, a sports competition and parish parties are just some of the events Jersey is planning to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Liberation Day.
On 9 May 2025, Jersey will mark 80 years since the island was liberated from German occupation.
This year's celebrations are expected to bigger than previous years, but still staying true to the traditional events islanders have come to expect.
The Liberation Day re-enactment will be taking place as usual alongside the service of thanksgiving.
What's being called 'Liberation 80' will also include a two-day music festival from 10 - 11 May 2025, which we're told will showcase local talent.
There will also be a celebration of the island's sporting prowess, with the introduction of 'The Liberation Games'.
This will involve inter-parish sports competitions and activities, which promise to be 'friendly' and 'accessible'.
A 'Jersey Week' is included in plans, involving an island-wide open house where businesses will be putting their historical archives on show so islanders can get more of an insight into local organisations' histories.
Parish parties will be going ahead during Liberation weekend, arranged by individual Constables.
Islanders living in other countries will also be able to join in the festivities, with the government arranging for 'celebration packs' featuring Jersey and Union flag bunting to be sent to those living abroad, but who still want to celebrate.
Take a look at how Jersey celebrated Liberation Day in 2024:
- Liberation Day 2024
- Liberation Day 2024
- Liberation Day 2024
- Liberation Day 2024
- Liberation Day 2024
- Liberation Day 2024
- Liberation Day 2024
- Liberation Day 2024
- Liberation Day 2024
- Liberation Day 2024
- Liberation Day 2024
- Liberation Day 2024
- Liberation Day 2024
- Liberation Day 2024
- Liberation Day 2024
- Liberation Day 2024
- Liberation Day 2024
- Liberation Day 2024
- Liberation Day 2024
- Liberation Day 2024
The Bailiff of Jersey, Sir Timothy Le Cocq, said on the Liberation 80 plans:
“Bailiff’s Consultative panel met in the latter months of 2024 to discuss a number of project and ideas for Liberation 80. In addition, we received constructive public feedback that has helped shape thoughts and views about Liberation 80.
"I am grateful for the work of the panel and commitment to establishing such an interesting programme for 2025. It is one, I hope, will ensure that 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.
"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 Bailiff addressing crowds on Liberation Day
The branding for what is arguably Jersey's most important anniversary has also been released, which has a backstory honouring an islander who lived through the Occupation.
It's based on the 2020 logo, which was inspired by the first-hand account of islander Enid de Gruchy and her memories of Liberation Day.
Enid was four when Jersey, the only place occupied during World War Two, was freed from German rule.
She recalled going into St Helier where a soldier handed her what was her first ever sweet. Enid sadly passed away last year.
Liberation 80 branding
More details of the 2025 Liberation Day events are set to follow closer to the time.
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