Liberation 70

On March 4, 2015, in Society, Tourism, by Lyndon-Farnham

As many of us know, on 9th May every year Jersey celebrates the anniversary of the Liberation of the Island from the German occupation forces of World War II.

Considered as Jersey’s very own ‘National Day’, Liberation Day 70 will be celebrated on Saturday 9th May 2015 and will commence with a Freedom march – a parade, led by bands and military vehicles and vintage cars which will converge in Liberation square and process to People’s Park for a very moving and poignant reflection on the Occupation of the Island and its liberation by British Troops on 9th May 1945.

The afternoon will begin with an open air sitting of the States of Jersey, marching bands, flag hoisting and a tea party for those islanders who either lived through the Occupation, were deported, evacuated or on active service. Other highlights will include a film montage on giant screens of the Occupation and re-enactments of the Liberation.
Later on, find yourself dancing the Jitterbug and the Lindy-Hop or slow things down as the Jersey Big Band plays classic tunes from the 1940s! Enjoy a programme of music and entertainment, al fresco food, or, if you prefer, peruse the many craft stalls, bursting with locally made treats (and some old favourites from a by-gone era!) as street entertainers wind their way through the crowds. The day will culminate in a spectacular fire work display over St Aubin’s Bay. Full details including a timetable of events can be found at Liberation 70 and on Face Book
Time ​Event
11:00 Re-enactment of Liberation, Liberation Square

Liberation Square open for re-enactment ceremony from 10:30
Narration by Hamish Marett-CrosbyGun Salute by HMS Iron Duke

Bailiff, Lieutenant-Governor, Chief Minister, Dean of Jersey, Connétable of St. Helier attending proceedings.

Band of the Island of Jersey in attendance.

Prayers of thanksgiving for Liberation and communal hymn led by the Dean of Jersey.

‘Beautiful Jersey’ sung by Connétable Sadie Rennard.

Re-enactment –
Arrival of two Naval Officers (Harbours Officials) in Liberation Square to be greeted by Assistant Harbour Master.

The flying of the Union flag and then the Jersey flag from former Harbourmaster’s Office.

Arrival of Force 135 liberating soldiers.

The flying of the Union flag from the balcony of the Pomme d’Or Hotel by the liberating forces.

The raising of the Union flag at Fort Regent.

National Anthem played by the Band of the Island of Jersey.

​11:30 ​Flag Handover

At the conclusion of the re-enactment ceremony there will be a formal hand-over of a large Jersey Flag to a contingent from the Jersey Field Squadron to parade from Liberation Square to People’s Park for inclusion as part of the afternoon ceremony.

Blessing by the Dean of Jersey.

​11:30/12:00 People’s Park
Gates open for ticket holders and public to attend.

Food and beverage concessions open to public for the rest of the day and into the evening.

Entertainment commences ahead of the main ceremony in the presence of HRH The Countess of Wessex.

​12:00 Slave Workers’ Memorial Service

To be held at Westmount Crematorium.
Bailiff, Lieutenant-Governor, Chief Minister, attending.

13:00 ​Grand Liberation Parade – mustering

Approximately 1,000 people will take part in the parade. Mustering of the 4 parade contingents will be around Liberation Square.

​13:45 Grand Liberation Parade

Departs Liberation Square area.

Parade route –
Liberation Square
into Conway Street
into Broad Street,
into York Street,
into The Parade,
into People’s Park

Live screening of Grand Parade to People’s Park on the big-screens.

​15:00 ​Liberation Ceremony
In the presence of HRH The Countess of Wessex, the ceremony will include the following elements –

States meeting
Message from Her Majesty The Queen
Loyal response
Member’s speech

Freedom Ceremony
Royal Marine Band
HMS Iron Duke
Jersey Field Squadron
Princess of Wales’ Royal Regiment

Royal Salute on arrival.

HMS Iron Duke casket contingent presented with Freedom Scroll.

March past and salute.

Poetry
Liberation 70 Poetry Competition winner recitals (x3).

Community
Band of the Island of Jersey accompanies Connétable Sadie Rennard singing ‘Beautiful Jersey’.

Bailiff
Bailiff’s Liberation address.

Creative Production
Collaborative piece of performance involving Musical Originals Singers, Jersey Arts Centre Youtheatre, and visual elements produced by the Société Jersiaise culminating in archive montage featuring reflective photos of the period.

Flag Ceremony and Act of Remembrance
Parish parade and Parish Standards led by the Band of the Island of Jersey and Jersey Field Squadron Flag Contingent involving senior citizens and veterans.

Hoisting of Jersey flag.

Liberation Prayer by the Dean of Jersey.

Blessing by the Bishop of Dover.

National Anthem played by the Band of the Island of Jersey.

Fly past of period 1940s aeroplanes

Followed by informal tea party and entertainment during Royal walk about.

​17:30 People’s Park

Departure of HRH The Countess of Wessex

Food and beverage concessions remain open throughout the afternoon at People’s Park andinto the late evening – open to the public with full programme of entertainment on main stage until 2145Hrs.

 22:00 Liberation Beacon and Firework Display.

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