After months of planning, the Bailiff’s Chambers has released the first details about what is being organised to mark the event on 9 May.
A tea party, grand parade, food and entertainment event and the finale are all included as well as the traditional formal ceremony.
The JEP recently reported that St Brelade Deputy Murray Norton wants Jersey to stage the world’s longest street party to celebrate the 70th anniversary.
- It would see the Island attempt to beat the current record of 1.5 miles set by the village of Combe Martin in Devon and gain a place in the Guinness World Records.
- The Deputy said it would take 1,320 six-foot tables, which if you put four people per table would be about 6,000 people so is not out of the realms of possibility.
- Deputy Norton said that the party should take place on Sunday 10 May the day after the main Liberation celebrations.
- A similar event took place in the town centre for the 50th anniversary of Liberation Day, when Prince Charles visited the Island and attended the street party.
- The current world record is held by Combe Martin, a small seaside resort on the North Devon coast. They held their street party on 3 June 2002, to celebrate the Queens Golden Jubilee.
A service of thanksgiving and remembrance led by the Dean of Jersey is also scheduled to take place on 8 May.
The Bailiff, William Bailhache, said that he hoped the wide variety of events would offer something for everyone.
‘I hope that the special arrangements to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Liberation on 9 May will appeal to everyone in our community, young and old, and, in particular, service to recognise those who endured the Occupation, whether in Jersey or further afield as well as the memory of those who are no longer with us,’ he said.
‘Let us all embrace the spirit of Liberation and celebrate our privileges and freedoms on this special anniversary.
‘I look forward to meeting Islanders on 9 May at the ceremony and community events to be held in People’s Park.’
The events on 9 May will start at 11.30 am with the annual Slave Workers’ Memorial Service at Westmount.
The traditional flag-raising ceremony at the Pomme d’Or will go ahead as usual followed by a grand parade from Liberation Square to the People’s Park at 2 pm.
A ceremony will then take place at the park and it will include a special meeting of the States, an act of remembrance and a commemorative production involving theatre, music and visuals.
This will be followed by a community tea party and food fair with entertainment and a food and entertainment programme from 5 pm and into the evening.
The grand finale, details of which have yet to be released, is then due to take place at 10 pm.
More details will be made public soon along with information about obtaining tickets, which will be free.
[youtube title=”VIDEO: How we celebrated the 40th anniversary in 1985.
