After almost five years of occupation by German forces during World War II, Jersey was liberated by British troops on 09 May 1945, the day following VE Day, which saw an end to the hostilities in Europe. Liberation Day is celebrated in the island every year with jubilant events centred around Liberation Square where crowds gathered in 1945 to welcome British troops and watch them triumphantly unfurl the Union Jack from the balcony of the Pomme d’Or Hotel.
Discover more about the island’s Occupation and Liberation stories and join the Liberation Day celebrations on a truly historical island holiday.
What’s happening in Jersey for Liberation Day?
Traditional Liberation Day celebration
Every year on the 09 May, locals and visitors come together in the heart of St. Helier. The traditional celebrations usually start early in the morning with inspiring speeches and stories to commemorate the islands freedom. Throughout the day, you’ll be transported back in time, enjoying fantastic entertainment and music inspired by the 40’s. Then tuck into delicious food and drinks, with an impressive line-up of local food trucks to choose from.
Watch this space to find out more information about the 2023 Liberation Day event.
Take a peek at last year’s official Liberation Day programme 2022 to see how we paid tribute to 77 years of freedom in Jersey.
Event
Lib in The Square 06 & 07 May
Get ready to liberate those dance moves at the Lib in The Square. To mark the 78th anniversary of the island’s freedom, a 2-night festival of well-established DJ’s will take to the stage, right in the middle of Jersey’s historic Royal Square.
Three days of discovering Jersey’s wartime story.
However long you’re here for, discover more about the island’s Occupation and Liberation story. Visit sites and join tours that bring to life the true tales of hardship, courage and resilience of those living in Jersey at the time. Here are three days full of ways to delve into the island’s wartime story.
Jersey's Occupation sites.
The Occupation of Jersey during WW2 left lasting marks on Jersey’s landscape. Explore the places that tell the island’s wartime story and discover tales of courage, defiance, suffering and resistance.
Strongpoint Corbière
The La Corbière area was the home for a large German Infantry Strongpoint with an array of weaponry and six fortifications built with two meter thick walls and ceilings. The area is great to explore in the afternoon and if you are there for sunset make sure you have your camera ready.
Strongpoint Grève de Lecq
Grève de Lecq Bay was a German strongpoint during the Occupation. The German Forces deployed a lot of armaments and bunkers in the area. In the middle of the bay a Jersey Round Tower dominates the view, this Napoleonic era tower was also modified by the Germans to include a secure bunker at the base, and a roof-mounted machine gun.
Battery Lothringen
Battery Lothringen was the only German Naval batterie in Jersey. In the 90's the CI Occupation Society recovered one of the batteries gun barrels, which were thrown off the cliffs at the end of the war and this is on display in Gun emplacement Number One. The area provides a good few hours of exploration so, give yourselves time to see everything.
Battery Moltke
Battery Moltke had intended to house four turreted 15cm Naval Artillery Guns that never arrived. The Germans instead used four 155mm Captured French Artillery guns “Canon de 155 Grande Puissance Filloux” (GPF) designated by the Germans as the “K 418(f)”.
Take a tour to be remembered.
Let the experts guide you on your journey of discovering all the fascinating facts and places that are waiting to be explored on your historical Jersey holiday.
Jersey War Tours
Jersey War Tours (JWT) is a non-profit organisation who allow access to their WW2 sites for tours and visits. All funds are invested back into the WW2 projects and maintenance program of work. Tours are guided by volunteers who all work on these projects and you won't find better experts to explain the Occupation and Liberation history.
ExperienceJersey Guides
From the natural forces that shaped Jersey, to the castles that defended it, the industries that built it, and the Occupation that still marks it: Join our guides and ExperienceJersey. Jersey is a magical place, and you will experience it all. So get ready; its culture, prehistoric history, vibrant energy plus local lifestyle awaits!
Jersey Military Tours
When history comes alive! Join Marc Yates, the only accredited Battlefield Guide in the Channel Islands on a journey of military history from Iron Age forts to German occupation bunkers. Let me open your eyes to Jersey's fabulous military history and scenic beauty!
Walking Tour with Martin Walton – Blue Badge Guide
Join Blue Badge Guide Martin, for one of his Occupation themed walking tours, The German Occupation Coastal Trail and St. Helier - Liberation to Occupation. A specialist in military tours from Napoleonic to WW2 and the Occupation of Jersey, he looks forward to welcoming you to join one of his walking tours and sharing his knowledge with you.
Jersey's Occupation Story.
The German Occupation of Jersey began one week after the British government had demilitarized the island fearing for the safety of civilians should there be any conflict. This is a story of how the island endured five years of life under occupation ending in joyous liberation on 09 May 1945.
