“Our dear Channel Islands are also to be freed today,” declared Winston Churchill on 09 May 1945, as Jersey emerged from nearly five years of Nazi occupation.
Just one day after VE Day, Liberation Day became a moment etched in history – a turning point that not only ended a dark chapter for the island but ushered in the return of hope, freedom, and the Jersey spirit that endures to this day.
Liberation Day
A day to remember
Every year, on 09 May, Jersey comes alive with vibrant celebrations to mark Liberation Day, honouring the moment in 1945 when crowds gathered in Liberation Square to welcome British troops and watch the Union Jack unfurl from the balcony of the Pomme d’Or Hotel.
The heart of St. Helier becomes a stage for remembrance and revelry, where stirring speeches and heartfelt stories pay tribute to the island’s journey from occupation to freedom. The streets buzz with live music, historical reenactments and captivating performances, while the scent of delicious local food fills the air.
Liberation Day is a day steeped in community spirit, reflection and island pride – where history is honoured, and freedom is celebrated with the joy it deserves.
Liberation Day celebrations
2025 marks the 80th anniversary of Liberation Day in Jersey. Join us on May 9th to be part of our island’s celebration of this historic day.
Join in the fun
Quilter Cheviot presents ORA Singers: Liberté
Directed by Suzi Digby OBE, the award-winning ORA Singers perform Liberté, a brand new programme constructed specially to mark the 80th Anniversary of Jersey's liberation from German occupation. This concert is suppoted by Quilter Cheviot, ORA Choir and Music in Action.
May 16 2025
Liberation Chamber Concert
An extraordinary evening of chamber music with artists from the Lincoln Centre New York. International pianist Wu Qian and friends will perform Dvořák’s great Piano Quintet, Rachmaninov’s passionate Elegiac Piano Trio, and Beethoven’s elegant String Trio in G major.
May 13 2025
Liberation 80: A Weekend of Dance & Celebration
Liberation 80 promises to be a momentous occasion in Jersey, marking 80 years since the island's liberation from German occupation during WW2. As part of the celebrations, Dancing in Jersey will take centre stage, bringing the community together through music, movement, and shared history, from lively social dances to nostalgic performances.
May 08 2025 ‐ May 11 2025
Liberation Concert
Mark your calendars and come together for an unforgettable evening of music, remembrance, and celebration as we honor the 80th anniversary of Jersey’s Liberation. Jersey Festival Choir and Jersey Island Singers join forces to celebrate in style with music by Puccini, Faure, Vaughan-Williams, with music inspired by the Liberation by islanders.
May 03 2025
Quilter Cheviot presents ORA Singers: Liberté
The spirit of liberation echoes through this programme from the award-winning ORA Singers, which has been specially conceived to mark the 80th Anniversary of Jersey's Liberation. It features the world premiere of a work by acclaimed composer Paweł Łukaszewski, reflecting the poignant text of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Prayer in the time of distress.
May 16 2025
Liberation Gala – Jersey Chamber Orchestra
A gala night of film music from the second world war in a “Last night of the Proms” style evening celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of Jersey. Stars include internationally renowned violinist Alexander Sitkovetsky performing Dvorak’s great violin concerto before Dambusters and the Great Escape.
May 10 2025
Liberation Day
This year marks the 80th anniversary of Jersey's Liberation, commemorating the island's freedom from German occupation during World War II on May 9, 1945. Through events, exhibitions, and reflections, this momentous occasion offers a unique opportunity to connect generations and remember the significance of peace and freedom in Jersey.
May 09 2025
Liberation Day Concert – Liberation Orchestra
The Liberation Orchestra celebrate Liberation Day with a programme of classics, wartime songs and latin. The internationally acclaimed violinist Harriet Mackenzie takes you on a vibrant musical journey blending old and new with an exciting Latin American twist. Be knocked out by a new tango concerto and the Four Seasons of Buenos Aires.
May 09 2025
Liberation International Music Festival
From 09 to 18 May, the 2025 Liberation Festival offers a feast of music with a theme of escape and reflecting joy through music commemorating the 80th anniversary of Jersey's liberation with an array of captivating musical events.
May 09 2025 ‐ May 18 2025
The Cavern Beatles | Liberation Special
In 1963 they visited Jersey for 4 legendary shows at Springfield Stadium on the 6th, 7th, 9th and 10th of August 1963. Over 60 years on, The Cavern Beatles, a band fully endorsed and licensed by the same club will be coming to The Drift with their remarkable show and to celebrate 80 years of the Liberation of Jersey.
May 08 2025
Liberation 80: Family Fun Day Out
Join us as we commemorate the 80th anniversary of Jersey’s Liberation with a family-friendly day of fun and celebration! This is a time to reflect on our shared history and honour the resilience of our community, while enjoying a fantastic lineup of activities, entertainment and delicious food!
May 09 2025
Discover our history
Jersey’s Occupation story
From 1940 to 1945, Jersey was one of the Channel Islands under Nazi control, the only British territories occupied by the Nazis. Life in Jersey transformed dramatically for Islanders, as the occupying forces fortified the island with bunkers, tunnels and defensive walls, leaving an indelible mark on its landscape.
While Islanders faced extreme hardship and, in some cases, peril, many found ways to adapt, resist and survive in the face of adversity.
Wartime landmarks & museums
The scars of the Occupation remain woven into Jersey’s fabric today, with echoes of the past found in museums, memorials and preserved wartime sites.
Venture underground into the Jersey War Tunnels, where the island’s occupation story unfolds across five powerful years. As you wander through the eerie tunnels, personal accounts from Islanders bring history to life. For a deeper dive, the Channel Islands Military Museum reveals the island’s pivotal role during WWII, showcasing military artefacts and offering fascinating insights into Jersey’s strategic significance. Step into the past and uncover the island’s remarkable story.
Landmarks & museums
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.
Channel Islands Military Museum
The Channel Islands Military Museum is housed in a German bunker that once formed part of Hitler's Atlantic Wall defences. Within the bunker itself are many rooms full of artefacts both military and civilian that help tell the story of the five long years of German occupation.
The Anti-Tank Bunkers of St. Aubin’s Bay
Starting opposite the Grand Hotel, there is a lovely seaside walk you can take which will introduce you to four German Resistance Nests. Each Resistance Nest has a Type 631b casemates. These casemates housed a Czechoslovakian 4.7cm PakK 36(t) Anti-Tank Gun with a co-axial MG37(t) 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.
Strongpoint Plémont
Explore the newly restored headland at Plémont and discover a German Second World War Strongpoint. Strongpoint Plemont was a multi-leveled defence with stunning views of the other Channel Islands and Normandy. You will find remains of mortar, machine gun, anti-aircraft and searchlight bunkers. The site is on cliff paths, please take care.
Jersey War Tunnels
Jersey War Tunnels tells the true story of wartime Jersey in a way that no other visitor attraction does. It’s the best place to get a true picture of what life was really like in Jersey during WWII. The exhibition is housed within an underground tunnel complex, built by the Germans using slave labour.
St Catherine’s Bunker
St Catherine’s Bunker is a remarkable World War Two German fortification and tunnel complex that is a testament to the German forces' hold on the British Channel Islands during the Second World War. Strategically positioned, it formed a crucial part of the German northeastern defences, especially after the Allied invasion of France.
Strongpoint Victoria Tower
Victoria Tower is a Martello Tower and became operational in 1837. The purpose of the tower was to prevent the enemy landing at Anne Port and to prohibit access to Mont Saint Nicolas, protecting Mont Orgueil Castle. The area has outstanding views of Jersey's east coast, with a backdrop of the Norman coast.
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 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)”.
Cold War Bunker – Lé Bunkèr d’la Fraide Dgèrre
Hidden in a street in the heart of St. Helier, this Jersey command centre was kept a secret from the public for years, as the world waited for news of nuclear war. This bunker was a communications centre, passing and receiving messages to and from other bunkers around the UK and Europe.
History tours & activities
Why not uncover Jersey’s captivating past on a guided tour that brings history to life? Step back in time with the Occupation to Liberation tour, where you’ll journey through the island’s incredible wartime story. Walk in the footsteps of those who lived through the Occupation and hear firsthand accounts of Jersey’s path to freedom, bringing the most poignant moments into sharp focus.
Discover more
Tours & excursions
Geotourist – Occupation Trail
The Channel Islands were the only part of the British Isles to be occupied by German forces in WW2. The Occupation has left an extraordinary legacy on Jersey, with hundreds of concrete bunkers, walls and tunnels ringing the coast and scattering the island’s interior. Download the Geotourist app to follow the Occupation Trails and explore how the Occupation has left an extraordinary legacy on Jersey.
Mar 22 2025 ‐ Dec 31 2025
Life Under Nazi Occupation Tour
When history comes alive! Join Marc Yates, the only accredited Battlefield Guide in the Channel Islands on a journey of through the Nazi Occupation of Jersey. With British citizens deprived of freedom and subjected to harsh Nazi laws and regulations, life was certainly different. Was there resistance? Not armed but definitely yes!
Mar 22 2025 ‐ Dec 21 2025
Liberation 80 – WW2 Bunker Tour
Join us for a tour of the WW2 bunkers with a focus on the Liberation. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Victory in Europe and the Liberation of the Channel Islands. Our tours have been updated to include photos and equipment of the Allied Liberation Force 135.
Mar 28 2025 ‐ Dec 28 2025
Nazi Occupation: Fortification Ready for D-Day
When history comes alive! Join Marc Yates, the only accredited Battlefield Guide in the Channel Islands and explore the impact of the Nazi's occupation and preparations through massive fortifications for the expected attempt to regain them on D-Day. The islands became the most fortified part of Hitler's Atlantic Wall. Includes bunker visits.
Mar 22 2025 ‐ Dec 21 2025
Liberation 80: Kayak Tour
Join us for a kayaking tour exploring German bunkers and fortifications along the coastline. Experience the challenge of assaulting cliff-top and beachfront positions from an attacker’s perspective, and learn about the role these structures played during WWII — including stories of those forced to build and defend them.
May 09 2025
WW2 Bunkers at Night
New sites for 2025! See Jersey's military heritage in a new light and help support a non-profit organisation! Evening tours of bunkers offer an unforgettable atmosphere when exploring. We will visit sites not open to the public and often use a 4x4. Become a temporary team member and see how Jersey became an impregnable fortress!
Mar 22 2025 ‐ Dec 31 2025
WW2 Bunker Tours
Join us for an exclusive, guided tour of World War II bunkers every weekend at 09:00. This private experience accommodates up to four people and allows for an intimate exploration of history. Our expert guide will lead you through a customizable route tailored to your interests, ensuring a unique adventure each time you visit. During the tour, clients will also have the opportunity to handle safe, authentic World War II weapons and artefacts. Each item has been meticulously prepared for handling, providing a tangible connection to the past and a chance to experience history up close.
Mar 22 2025 ‐ Dec 28 2025
Strongpoint Corbiere Open Days
Explore the incredible M19 automatic mortar bunker and 6-loopholed machine gun bunker, interconnected by a deep underground tunnel! Knowledgeable volunteers will be on hand to guide you and give details of the fortifications along with an audio commentary explaining the original crew.
Apr 27 2025 ‐ Oct 12 2025
Special Liberation 80 Boat Tour
Join us for a one-of-a-kind Liberation Boat Tour and Cream Tea Special to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of Liberation Day. Take in the breathtaking scenery, indulge in a British cream tea, complete with freshly baked scones, clotted cream, jam, and a refreshing cup of tea. This will be sure to sell out fast, so get your tickets booked asap!
May 09 2025
Seafari War Tours
Embark on a powerful journey through Jersey's wartime history with not one, but two thrilling Seafari War Tours. Each offers a unique perspective on the island’s role during WWII, taking you across breathtaking coastal landscapes steeped in history. Explore Jersey's spectacular North and South coastlines on our Seafari RIB with your very own expert Jersey War Tour Guide. These experiences sell out fast, so get booked in early to avoid disappointment.
Apr 19 2025 ‐ Sep 06 2025
1940-1945: Occupation to Liberation
In WW2, Jersey was demilitarized by the British and then occupied by Nazi Germany for 5 years. The Occupation changed the lives of the Islanders and the appearance of their Island forever! Islanders had to wait until liberated the day after the end of WW2 on 9 May 1945. This tour will give visitors a better understanding of what happened without the sensationalist and incorrect myths.
Mar 22 2025 ‐ Dec 21 2025
St. Helier – Occupation to Liberation Tour
You will be led on an adventure through time with Blue Badge Guide, Martin Walton a specialist in military tours from Napoleonic to WW2 and German Occupation of Jersey during WW2. You will visit sites around St. Helier's Harbour with poignant reminders of events from both the Occupation and Liberation of the island and hear what really happened during those fateful days.
Apr 05 2025 ‐ Jul 27 2025
Discover Jersey’s story further
Uncover Jersey’s wartime story with inspiring itineraries and blogs that lead you to the island’s most significant historical sites and hidden gems.
FAQs
Is Liberation Day a public holiday?
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What Liberation Day events are a must-see?
Where are the events held for Liberation Day in Jersey?
