- Re-enactment was re-instated after public outcry
- Up to 2,000 turned out at Liberation Square to relive moment Jersey gained freedom
- Change of venue from Weighbridge Place caused disquiet in run-up to event
- Should People’s Park continue to be used for main event? Take our poll below
UP to two thousand people packed into Liberation Square on Saturday morning to remember the moment when the Island was liberated from Nazi rule.
The threat of rain did not deter the crowds who converged on the area in front of the Pomme d’Or Hotel and the former Harbourmaster’s office, from which Union and Jersey flags were flown on 9 May 1945 at the end of five years of German Occupation.
The start of the 70th anniversary celebrations was signalled by an ear-splitting 15-gun salute from the Royal Navy’s HMS Iron Duke, berthed at St Helier Harbour, followed by a fanfare from the Band of the Island of Jersey announcing the arrival of the Bailiff, William Bailhache, the Island’s Lieutenant-Governor, General Sir John McColl, Deputy Bailiff Tim Le Cocq, Chief Minister Ian Gorst and St Helier Constable Simon Crowcroft.
The full re-enactment ceremony in Liberation Square had not been part of the original plans for the 70th anniversary celebrations, but was reinstated following protests from a number of Islanders who wanted the event to take place there, as in previous years.
Welcoming the capacity crowd, Mr Bailhache paid tribute to the team at the Bailiff’s Chambers who had also organised the afternoon events at the People’s Park. ‘Who would have thought so many people would be here!’ he said, to loud cheers.
Following prayers from the Dean of Jersey, the Very Rev Bob Key, the band struck up some familiar wartime tunes, with the audience spontaneously singing along.
A popular highlight with the crowds was the re-enactment itself, with members of the Army Cadet Force playing the roles of ‘Tommies’ from Force 135.
Alan and Anne Venton, who attend the re-enactment every year, said that Liberation Square was definitely the right place to hold the annual celebration. Mrs Venton, who was outside the Pomme d’Or on 9 May 1945, recalled: ‘I can remember it was full of people here, all hugging each other, laughing and singing. It was very warm and my mother kept us out until late in the evening. It was incredible.’
For Ann and Eddie Rousseau, the celebration brought back memories of their childhoods.
Mrs Rousseau was evacuated to Bolton in Lancashire at six weeks old and returned five years later. Mr Rousseau, who spent his early childhood in St Lawrence, said: ‘If this had not taken place here, in Liberation Square, I would not have come today.’ He added: ‘I think it was a good thing that we wrote those letters.’
MEANWHILE, the sound of sentimental songs from the 1940s and the smell of traditional British food gave a ‘buzz’ to the Liberation atmosphere at the People’s Park.
Despite initial concerns following the decision to move the majority of the celebrations from the usual venue of Liberation Square, Islanders enjoyed an afternoon of food, drink and entertainment on Saturday.
A number of stalls offering some of Jersey’s finest ice-cream, Liberation Ale and the classic British favourite, fish and chips, boasted long queues, while other Islanders enjoyed picnics and the dry weather.
Many dressed up for the occasion, with some in their official Forces uniform while others donned Union Flags and 1940s dress.
But the topic of discussion among many was about the choice of venue, which caused controversy last month.
Janice Eden (70), who tries to attend the Liberation celebrations every year, said that she initially did not think that the change of venue would work.
‘I had my doubts. I could not see how they could get everyone from one place to another, but I think this is brilliant. There is a lovely atmosphere and there is a buzz here today.’
Gordon Bullock (80) said: ‘It has turned out better now that they have recognised that they got it wrong. As long as the re-enactment is at Liberation Square. They got it wrong but they made it right. That is why so many people turned up.’
Live entertainment was provided throughout the afternoon and included a performance of Beautiful Jersey by the Constable of St Saviour, Sadie Le Sueur Rennard, who said it would be her last time singing the anthem, as she is retiring at the age of 70.
There were also stalls selling vintage clothing and other memorabilia.
THE Bailiff was forced to bow to public pressure this year after complaints that all of the Liberation day celebrations were to be held inPeople’s Park.
Following a meeting with community leaders and threats of boycotts, changes were made to the day’s schedule – in particular the events taking place at Liberation Square, where the programme has been held for many years.
However part of the celebrations, which will mark the 70th anniversary of the Liberation, will remain at The People’s Park.
The partial u-turn followed criticism that the focus of the celebrations would be the park rather than the traditional location in front of the Pomme d’Or Hotel.
The Bailiff’s Chambers announced that the re-enactment of the moment Jersey was officially liberated would still be hel at Liberation Square but that the bulk of the celebrations would remian at People’s Park.
In a statement released to the JEP before the event, the Bailiff urged Islanders to ‘come together and celebrate’ on the 70th anniversary. He said one of the main reasons for moving the event was to allow more people to attend the celebrations.
‘As Liberation Square is simply not big enough for what is planned The People’s Park was chosen as the preferred site, bearing in mind its historical relevance as the venue for the first Liberation Day commemorations held in 1946,’ he said.
‘The People’s Park will provide the backdrop for an exciting backdrop of events, which we shall celebrate in the presence of Her Royal Highness, the Countess of Wessex.’
He added: ‘I am very excited about these arrangements and encourage all Islanders to embrace the spirit of Liberation as a celebration of the past while looking forward to the future.
