As spring awakens the sea-swept shores of the Channel Islands, there’s one celebration that pulses through the heart of Guernsey like no other — Guernsey Liberation Day. From 6 to 11 May, the island comes alive in a vivid tapestry of remembrance, gratitude and joy, honouring its freedom from German occupation in 1945.
Guernsey Liberation Day
The centrepiece? Liberation Day in Guernsey on 9 May, marking 80 years since HMS Bulldog sailed into St Peter Port and the island was freed from five years of occupation. The day begins with echoes of the past and marches into the present, led by the unmistakable sound of the Band of HM Royal Marines.
Imagine standing on the island’s beautiful seafront, vintage British military vehicles and classic cars rumbling by in a nostalgic cavalcade, while re-enactors bring wartime stories vividly to life. There’s no shortage of community spirit — live music, family-friendly events, and vintage fairs fill the streets, transforming Guernsey into a vibrant hub of celebration and shared history.
The Guernsey Event Company – 69th Liberation Day 2014.
While the festivities are captivating, the historical depth of the Bailiwick adds a powerful layer to the experience. During World War II, Guernsey and its sister islands became the only British territories under Nazi control. The scars and stories of that time remain etched in the bunkers, tunnels, and coastal fortifications that dot the landscape — relics of the Atlantic Wall that once turned this idyllic archipelago into a military stronghold.
History buffs can step into the past at the recently restored German Naval Signal Headquarters, where the whispers of wartime radio signals still echo. This underground maze now serves as a museum showcasing original artefacts, including a German Enigma machine — a chilling and fascinating window into the espionage and resistance that defined those dark years.
Liberation Day Guernsey isn’t just a day on the calendar. It’s a moving tribute, a joyful gathering, and an immersive journey into a time that shaped the island’s soul. Whether you’re there to pay respects, soak up local culture, or simply marvel at the living history all around, one thing’s for sure — Liberation Day in Guernsey is a bucket list experience you won’t soon forget.
Other Festivals in Guernsey
You might also wish to attend the Guernsey Literary Festival held each April and May.
Things to Do in Guernsey
Dive deeper into the island’s storied past, head to www.visitguernsey.com/experiences/history.
Main image: Part of the annual Liberation Day cavalcade through capital St Peter Port, copyright Guernsey Museums & Galleries
