How Guernsey is celebrating 81 years of Liberation

Events are taking place across the island to mark the 81st anniversary of the end of the German occupation.

Plenty is happening on 9 May 2026, as Guernsey celebrates 81 years since its liberation from German rule.

The morning commences with the Liberation 7 Road Race, which celebrates its 80th anniversary this year.

From 9am athletes will make their way from Rousse to North Beach.

Participants will try to beat the course record set by the late Dave Kreckeler in 1966, 34 minutes, 39 seconds.

A school relay along the seafront will also start at 9am. 

From 11am, between the Weighbridge and Crown Pier, families can enjoy a dance zone and an inflatable football pitch.

A children's zone will be set up along Crown Pier with a craft tent, a Climbing wall, go-karts, face painting and some Royal Golden Guernsey Goats.

Local craft, charity and artisan stallholders will be positioned along the South Esplanade.

Albert Pier will host a vintage fair from 11am until late. (A quiet hour for the vintage fair will take place on 10 May between 10am-11am.)

Castle Cornet will have live music and one-act plays from 10am.

Liberation Day Lead for the Committee for Education, Sport and Culture, Deputy Andy Cameron, says it will be a good day.

"The programme for St Peter Port is really varied, and I want to thank those involved in coming together on such an important day for our community." 

Parish Celebrations

If you don't fancy heading into town, two parishes have announced separate entertainment for 9 May.

Anyone is welcome to join either, regardless of where they live.

St Pierre De Bois

A FreedomFest will be hosted at the Sylvans Club from 10am to 11pm.

The day will begin with the original Service of Thanksgiving held on 9 May 1946 to mark one year of Liberation, followed by performances from Singing for Health and the Guernsey Academy of Theatrical Education.

Wartime films A La Perchoine and Appointment with Venus will also be shown in the clubhouse.

An afternoon of music begins at 2pm and includes Drift Wood, Our Tomorrow, Clamour de Haro and Stuck to the Ceiling, alongside a brass band 
performance.

St Andrews

A day of entertainment will run at The Last Post from midday to 10pm.

With bouncy castles, a Crown and Anchor table, a hog roast, barbecue and an outdoor bar.

Performances, from Aviation and Space Pirates of Rocquaine, Emily Fern, Grace J, DJs Seb Skillen and Joe Williams.