Liberation Day 2012

On May 9th every year Jersey celebrates the anniversary of the Liberation of the Island from the German occupation forces of World War II.

Liberation Day is a special celebration for Islanders, so why not take up the invitation to join this nostalgic, outdoor party?

Liberation Day is a special celebration for Islanders, considered as our very own ‘National Day’. It commences with a Concert band performing in Liberation Square as parades, led by marching bands and vintage military vehicles converge in the square. The morning’s ceremony is a very moving and poignant reflection on the Occupation of the Island and its liberation by British Troops on May 9th 1945 and is hosted by the Island’s dignitaries together with those islanders who lived through the Occupation. (Activity can be viewed on a giant screen). It concludes with community singing and a re-enactment of the actual Liberation.

Afterwards, join the Liberation Party and 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 and relax as you watch excerpts of vintage films on the big screen. 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.

Wednesday 9th May 2012

This morning’s ceremony recalls the momentous events which occurred in this square 66 years ago. Following the surrender of German Forces in Europe and the fall of Hitler’s regime, the Channel Islands eagerly awaited their liberation.

On 8th May Winston Churchill made his now famous speech, including the words “…and our dear Channel Islands are also to be freed today”. This was greeted with so much excitement that the Bailiff, Alexander Coutanche, had to ask for patience and restraint among islanders.

In fact, it was early the following morning that a British destroyer was sighted coming into St. Aubin’s Bay and word spread that the Liberation of Jersey had begun. HMS Beagle anchored in the bay, and a launch brought two naval officers into the harbour where they were greeted by ecstatic crowds who lifted them on to their shoulders and brought them down to the Weighbridge.

The arrival of the naval officers and the draping of the Union flag from the window of what was then the harbourmaster’s office begins the re-enactment today. It continues with the arrival of re-enactors who retrace the steps of Colonel William Robinson and the first Jerseyman from the British forces to arrive, Captain Hugh Le Brocq. Colonel Robinson took down the swastika that flew above the Pomme d’Or Hotel, and raised the Union flag, while Captain Le Brocq and his men made their way up to Fort Regent where they replaced the swastika there with the Union flag.  

In those simple acts of exchanging flags, Jersey’s liberation was confirmed to a population which had lived through an occupation lasting almost five years.  Today the flags are flown again in a ceremony which will bring back memories of that happy day for the islanders who were here at the time. 

Other poignant memories will be tinged with sadness, especially memories of those who were not to return home, having made the ultimate sacrifice in the cause of freedom.  There were other patriotic Jerseymen and women who could not be in St. Helier to celebrate the coming of liberation, including those who were fighting in the Far East, those who had been deported and were still in Germany awaiting repatriation, and those who had been evacuated to England before the Occupation had begun.

The ceremony today involves a celebration not only of the peace and good fortune that has come to pass since 9th May 1945, but also of the restoration of our freedom that we have enjoyed since that day. Today marks the 67th Anniversary of that restoration when islanders will once again gather to reflect on the events of the past and to celebrate the values and blessings of the present.

After the conclusion of the formal morning ceremony, the focus of attention shifts to the Weighbridge Square where the more informal Liberation celebrations take place offering a combination of food and entertainment throughout the afternoon.

Programme of Events (timings are approximate)
Venue: Liberation Square & Weighbridge Place, St Helier

09:45  The Band of the Island of Jersey perform 
09:40 La Ronde Concert Band perform 
10:10 Parade 1 led by the Jersey Scout Band and comprising Scouts, Guides and the Boys and Girls Brigades departs from Wests Centre and marches to Liberation Square via Bath Street, Queen Street, Halkett Place, Hill Street and Mulcaster Street arriving in Liberation Square at 10:20.
10:15 Parade 2 led by the Jersey Pipe Band and comprising the Jersey Field Squadron, Pirbright ATR, Parochial Standards, Cadet Forces, and St. John Ambulance Brigade departs from Wests Centre and marches to Liberation Square via Bath Street, Queen Street, Halkett Place, Hill Street and Mulcaster Street. Parade 3 comprising ex-service men and veterans with Colours and Standards will join Parade 2 at the junction of Church Street and Hill Street all arriving in Liberation Square at 10:25. 
10:30 Special Meeting of the States of Jersey, presided over by the Bailiff of Jersey, Mr. Michael Birt, and attended by His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor, Lieutenant General Sir John McColl, KCB, CBE, DSO. Address by Connétable Dan Murphy of Grouville which will be relayed to Liberation Square by screen.
10:45  Hamish Marett-Crosby begins his commentary in Liberation Square evoking the days and hours leading up to the arrival of the liberating forces.
10:45 States meeting concludes.
10:55 The first contingent of the main parade led by the Band of the Island of Jersey and comprising the members of the States Assembly, the Greffier and Deputy Greffier of the States and the Honorary Consuls will depart the Royal Square for Liberation Square via Mulcaster Street accompanied by 2 members of the Jersey Field Squadron.

They are quickly followed by the second contingent of the main parade led by the Caledonian Pipe Band comprising the Cross Bearer and Choristers, Clergy, the Dean of Jersey, the Mace and Seal bearers, His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor, General Sir John McColl, KCB, CBE, DSO, the Bailiff of Jersey, Mr. Michael Birt, the Deputy Bailiff, Mr. William Bailhache, the Commissioners and Jurats of the Royal Court, the Crown Officers and representatives of the Jewish and Islamic communities.
11:05 As the second contingent of the main parade arrives in Liberation Square, the public are invited to stand for the anthem ‘Island Home’ led by the Band of the Island of Jersey and the massed Choir.
11:06  Liberation Day Service of Thanksgiving conducted by The Dean of Jersey, The Very Revd. Robert Key.
11:35 At the conclusion of the service the Band of the Island of Jersey will play a rousing tune to signal the start of the re-enactment, narrated by Hamish Marett-Crosby.
11:55  Singing of the National Anthem played by the Band of the Island of Jersey
11:56 Retiring procession from the main stage in Liberation Square to the saluting dais in front of the Pomme d’Or Hotel to the accompaniment of Sir Edward Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1 performed by La Ronde Concert Band.

While the final parade assembles, music will be provided by La Ronde Concert Band.
12:10 You are invited to watch the final march past of participants in the event including the Band of the Island of Jersey, the Jersey Pipe Band, the various service organisations, ex-service organisations, cadets, and uniformed organisations with vehicles from the Jersey Old Motor Car Club joining the parade. The parade will approach from Route de la Liberation and circle Liberation Square in front of the Pomme d’Or Hotel and the official saluting dais before heading down the Esplanade.

Musical Entertainment in Liberation Square

Music played by La Ronde Concert Band, conductor Robert Wareing-Jones, will be drawn from the following:

  • Calling all Workers
  • Keep Smiling Through
  • Time to Say Goodbye
  • Fantasy on British Sea Songs
  • Peer Gynt Suite
  • When you believe*
  • Songs of the Great War*
* Band with Choir

The Liberation Children's Choir

The Liberation Children’s Choir has been organised by Liz Craik of the Jersey Music Service, and consists of children from “The Jersey Songsters” (a Jersey Music Service primary vocal group) and children from Plat Douet, St Lawrence, Trinity, d’Auvergne and Grand Vaux schools. On this occasion the two childrens’ songs will be led by local music teacher, Maggie Picot. The Liberation Children’s Choir will sing ‘Red Red Robin’ and ‘Run Rabbit Run’.

Entertainment - 12:30 - 17:00

The main focus shifts to the Weighbridge Square, following the final march and drive past, for a 1940s Tea Dance and Liberation ‘street’ party.

The event will have a 1940s theme and will consist of the following activities:

  • Food fair - animated stalls selling a range of local fare with a 1940s ‘flavour’
  • Specialist stalls e.g. vintage clothing and confectionary from the 1940s.
  • 1940s themed vintage afternoon tea
  • ‘Street party’ style seating arrangements.
  • The Jersey ‘Big Band’ and other musicians .
  • Large mobile TV screen broadcasting the Liberation Day ceremony in the morning and then showing archive footage and clips and music from films from the period.

Entertainment will include the Jersey Big Band, Acapella Brass, Optimistic Voices (three part harmony girl group), world champion Lindy Hop dancers who will perform with members of the Jersey Youth Theatre and local dancer, Christophe Chateau and some of his students, singers and musicians. There will also be a face painter at the event. There will be a dance floor and anyone can join in with the dancing!

Food stalls will include coffee, crepes, ice cream, cup cakes and desserts, traditional fish and chips, locally made cider and sausages, Boeuf Bourguignon, Empire curry and a themed vintage afternoon tea tent. Local ladies will also be in attendance making Jersey Wonders. Come along and savour local delights!

The programme, which begins at 12:30, continues until 17:00. Refreshments will be available from 10:00 for those watching the morning ceremony on the ‘Big Screen’ with all activities in Liberation Square relayed live.