Liberation Day in Jersey
Jersey marks Liberation Day on 9 May, the anniversary of the 1945 arrival of British troops that ended the German occupation. The date has a special place in the island’s calendar, and Jersey’s public ceremonies remember both the liberation and the occupation years.[1][2]
The end of the occupation
German forces occupied Jersey during the Second World War. The Government of Jersey describes the occupation as lasting five years; in its final period, the island was besieged and supplies ran short. The Red Cross ship SS Vega was allowed to bring parcels to the island.[1]
Jersey was liberated on 9 May 1945, when British troops arrived aboard HMS Beagle. The anniversary commemorates that arrival and the end of German occupation in Jersey.[1][2]
Ceremonies and celebrations
Jersey’s official celebrations have included marching contingents, a States Assembly sitting, a service of thanksgiving and a re-enactment of the liberation forces’ arrival. A Government programme has also described a march past, a motorcade and public festivities in Liberation Square, with local entertainers, refreshments and local produce nearby.[3]
These observances give the day a distinctly Jersey focus: they recall the island’s own liberation and bring remembrance together with public celebration. The Government describes Liberation Day as an annual marking of Jersey’s liberation from German occupation.[2][3]
Public holiday and practical effects
Jersey’s Public Holidays and Bank Holidays (Jersey) Act 2010 names 9 May as Liberation Day. It makes the date a public holiday when it falls on a weekday or Saturday; the law separately says Sundays are, by custom, general holidays. The Act does not provide a substitute day for Liberation Day when 9 May falls on a Sunday.[4]
A public holiday is also a bank holiday under Jersey law, and banks generally must not open on bank holidays unless an order allows otherwise.[4][5] Shops are not all required to close: retailers may open on Liberation Day if they hold the relevant parish permit. Permitted smaller shops may open on the day, while large shops with a restricted-hours permit may open between 10am and 4pm.[6]
Liberation Day in Jersey: FAQs
When is Liberation Day in Jersey?
Is Liberation Day a public holiday every year?
The law makes 9 May a public holiday when it falls on a weekday or Saturday. When it falls on Sunday, the law classifies Sundays as general holidays by custom; it does not set a substitute day for Liberation Day.[4]
Do all workers get the day off?
The Act designates the date as a public holiday, but does not establish that every worker is entitled to take the day off. Check your employer’s terms and arrangements.[4]
Are banks and shops open?
What can visitors expect at the celebrations?
Jersey’s official celebrations have included a thanksgiving service, a re-enactment, a march past, a motorcade and public festivities with local performers and produce.[3]
Sources and references
Sources used for Liberation Day in Jersey:
- History of Liberation- Government of Jersey
- Liberation Day- Government of Jersey
- Liberation Day- Government of Jersey
- Public Holidays and Bank Holidays (Jersey) Act 2010- Jersey Law
- Public Holidays and Bank Holidays (Jersey) Law 1951- Jersey Law
- Sunday trading- Government of Jersey