Jersey Liberation Day 2026: What is happening?

A re-enactment, live music, and a motorcade are some of the events marking Liberation Day in Jersey.

This year marks the 81st anniversary of the surrender of German occupying forces at the end of World War Two with a day of anniversary celebrations on Saturday.

The Bailiff of Jersey, Robert MacRae, said it would be his first Liberation Day in the role.

"Having attended Liberation Day commemorations for many years, I have always been struck by the powerful sense of community and shared reflection that the occasion brings across Jersey," he said.

MacRae said: "I am very much looking forward to joining islanders in marking our national day.

"Liberation Day serves as a moment for us all to come together with family, friends and neighbours to celebrate our freedom, honour the experiences of those who lived through the Occupation and wartime Britain, and reflect on the resilience and unity that shaped our island's history.

"It is also an opportunity to ensure that the legacy of that generation continues to be remembered and understood by future generations."

Betty Hambly watched Liberation Day ceremonies in Liberation Square with her husband and two daughters.

She said: "We try and come every year for any celebration. My husband is going to be 90 so he's been coming for a very long time.

"It's a lovely celebration, let's hope it carries on for a long, long, long time yet.

"It means so much to the older people possibly more than the younger ones."

Former Jersey politician Terry Le Main was in Liberation Square to mark the anniversary. He was born in 1939 and remembers when the island was liberated from German occupation.

"It's a great celebration for me," he said.

"Liberation Day just brings back happy memories.

"It's just wonderful to think we've got our freedom and freedom of speech.

"We fought for it so we must celebrate it.

"I'm a very proud Jerseyman."

Tracey was celebrating her first Liberation Day.

She said it was lovely to see people dressed up.

"The whole history of Jersey is iconic," she said.

"I recently visited the War Museum and it was just so surreal to see what they've gone through."

This year's Liberation Day is following the traditional format and saw a public service of thanksgiving and re-enactment held in Liberation Square, St Helier, at 10:30 BST.

A free party including music, dancing and local food stalls started at Weighbridge Place at 12:45.

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