Events held across Guernsey to mark Liberation Day

Islanders have come together to celebrate Liberation Day 2024, with a host of festivities throughout the day.

The day marked 79 years since Guernsey was liberated from Nazi occupation and the end of World War Two.

Events started with the sounding of the siren from Victoria Tower and included a cavalcade of vintage vehicles around the island.

The celebrations are traditionally centred in St Peter Port, but in recent years more events have been held around Guernsey.

Highlights including the school relay race and a military parade.

The annual vintage vehicle cavalcade started from the Imperial Hotel and was seen travelling around the coast to St Peter Port.

Elsewhere, St Pierre du Bois hosted an an all-day celebration on L'Eree Common and the Vale hosted a tea party.

Resident Geoff Le Gallez, who was recently given the all-clear following a cancer diagnosis, was among those seen taking part in festivities with his redecorated property.

Deputy Sue Aldwell, member of the Committee for Education, Sport, and Culture, said the day was being used "as an opportunity to build momentum towards next year, which will be a huge event, like in previous years, as the island celebrates 80 years since our liberation".

Lieutenant-Governor of Guernsey Lt Gen Richard Cripwell said it had been a "very special occasion".

He said the event reminded residents of the "very dark time in the island's history".

"Liberation is always a wonderful day - but it's based on terrible events that happened 79 years ago," he said.

"For some people, that is still memory - it is not history.

"It's very important we know why we have this day, not least to make sure such a thing never happens again."

Hundreds of people turned up to watch the Liberation Day cavalcade.

Spectator Janet Unitt said there was a "fantastic atmosphere" at the event.

"There is so many people about," Janet said.

"It was lovely to see all of the decorated vehicles, tractors, vintage cars.

"It's really nice to see everyone together."

Guernsey resident Daphne Zabiela, who was away from the island during the war, has been at the Vale Douzaine Room.

She was evacuated from the island to Stockport, along with her mother, brother and sister.

Ms Zabiela said she remembered the war vividly and it was "fantastic" to return to the island following the liberation.

"It was lovely to see my dad and my brother. We hadn't seen them for five years," she said.

Ms Zabiela said Liberation Day was "very, very special".

Guernsey resident Isabel Hills said she was evacuated from the island to Wigan with her school when she was five years old.

She said her mother, who contacted the police, was brought to Wigan to retrieve Ms Hills.

"It was night time. I was in bed and I was so surprised," she said.

Ms Hills said she was taken to Bolton with her mother, where she stayed until the war ended.

She returned to Guernsey at the age of 10.

Ms Hills said she was left in tears after hearing sirens during the Liberation Day celebrations.

She said: "The times I've heard that and had to run to the shelters. It is unbelievable."

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