Liberation Day parade to feature 100 military personnel

Guernsey is set to welcome more than 100 visiting military personnel as part of the 2025 Liberation Day parade.

The British Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force are to be represented by contingents from the Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment, HMS Daring and 201 Squadron.

The Island Cadet Guard, Elizabeth College Combined Cadet Force and representatives from the Sea Cadets, Air Cadet Force, Army Cadet Force and RAF Air Cadets are also take part.

The parade has been scheduled to begin at 11:00 BST on 9 May, beginning at North Beach and parading along the seafront to the roundabout opposite Castle Pier, then back to Town Church.

During World War Two, German forces invaded the island on 30 June 1940 and remained in occupation for five years.

This year's Liberation Day - a national holiday celebrated annually on 9 May - marks the 80th anniversary of their departure.

The States said the parade would hold even more significance for some of the visiting military, as some were returning to their home.

Born-and-bred in Guernsey, Lt Col Andy Carré said his father was also born in Sark and lived there for the whole occupation.

He said: "This anniversary is incredibly important to me and our family."

Col Carré said his appointment to command the Fourth Battalion, the Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment, was well-timed to coincide with the 80-year anniversary.

"I am so proud to have the opportunity to bring elements of the battalion to the island and represent the regiment to show our soldiers our history and to lead them in the parade," he said.

Band Colour Sgt Nick West said that, in addition to the Royal Marines Band Scotland leading out the parade, there was a swing band line up which would perform on the music stage at North Beach at 17:00 GMT.

Liberation Day parade commander Lt Cdr Tim Slann said: "The Liberation Day parade holds a special significance for all local cadets and veterans who always turn out in force.

"To be joined by so many serving personnel from our affiliated military units has created what we believe to be the largest parade we've ever had."

He said to celebrate the 80-year anniversary and with so many visiting and local personnel, they had decided to extend the route to allow more people to enjoy and experience the march.

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