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How Jersey Is Marking Liberation Day

Jersey is marking 78 years since the island was liberated from Nazi rule during the Second World War.

This year celebrations have merged with those for the coronation of the King and Queen - with two consecutive bank holidays giving islanders a four-day weekend. 

Events for the Channel Islands' national day on 9 May have been going on since Friday (5 May) with the first-ever under-18 Lib in the Square taking place.

Organiser Warren Le Sueur hoped to see more teenagers taking part in Liberation Day celebrations.

"By incorporating Liberation Day into our Motion Takeover event, we're providing an opportunity for Jersey’s young people to come together and celebrate their island's history while enjoying world-class music in a safe environment"

That was before a weekend of music in the Royal Square for the island's adults.

Later today, Liberation Square will host the traditional reenactment of British Forces landing on our shores, ending the German's five year occupation.

There are no Royal visitors this year.

That's unlike 2022's celebrations which the then Earl and Countess of Wessex came to join.

Jersey politicians will get together for a special States sitting at around 10.30am before they make their way to Liberation Square for the service and re-enactment.

St Helier parishioners who were on the island during the Occupation, or who were evacuated to the UK, are being invited to a breakfast at the Town Hall between 7.30 and 9am.

An afternoon tea for everyone will happen from 3 o'clock.

Islanders are also invited to join in a remembrance of slave workers who were forced to build German fortifications throughout the islands.

A small service is happening at Westmount from 3pm, where the Lieutenant Governor and the Bailiff will lay wreaths on behalf of the Crown and the people of Jersey. 

The Bailiff’s Chambers have warned that several outdoor events could be canceled or moved if the forecasted wet weather persists.

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