Plans for a slimmed down Liberation Day 2026
- Liberation Day 2026 planning is well underway after the success of the 2025 celebrations.
- The event will focus on local community involvement and heritage.
- Returning features include the family zone, food village in St Peter Port, and hampers for older residents.
- Increased support and sponsorship from local businesses is sought for this year's event.
- Key officials emphasise the importance of community celebrations and historical remembrance.
The Liberation Day Oversight Board has commenced preparations for events on 9 May.
It will retain several elements from the previous year, albeit on a smaller scale.
The family zone will be reinstated at the Crown Pier, alongside a tea tent relocating from the Town Terminus. Albert Pier will host the food village, which features local stallholders and a music stage.
Returning programme highlights include the cavalcade and the distribution of individual and residential hampers containing local produce, which benefited over 1,000 residents in 2025.
Helen Glencross, Head of Culture & Heritage Services, said: “Liberation Day 2025 was our biggest event yet, commemorating an amazing milestone in which we remembered 80 years since Guernsey was liberated.
“While the footprint will be smaller in 2026 as it isn’t a landmark year, such as the 80th, we remain committed to ensuring the day retains its significance.
"The commemorative aspect is as important as the celebrations, and we will continue to share the voices and stories of the wartime generation.”
Deputy Andy Cameron, Vice-President and Liberation Day Lead for the Committee for Education, Sport and Culture, echoed the need for community support, saying, “Local community events such as Liberation Day are vital in bringing people together to celebrate and honour our island’s history - from school children to those who lived through the occupation.”
He urged private organisations to step forward, stressing the importance of financial sponsorship and practical support through volunteer programmes.
Businesses interested in sponsorship opportunities for Liberation Day 2026 are encouraged to contact Event Organiser Natalie Davidson at natalie@black-vanilla.co.uk.
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