FREEDOM FROM OCCUPATION
In 2020, Guernsey and its surrounding islands mark 75 years since their liberation from German forces
The Channel Islands were the only part of the British Isles to be occupied by German forces during WWII, with the balliwicks (districts) of Guernsey and Jersey being occupied from 30 June 1940 until their liberation on 9 May 1945. Guernsey’s occupation also included a German presence on its sister islands of Alderney, Sark, Herm and Lihou, and a quarter of the population was evacuated to the UK. The Germans built extensive fortifications and the islands were cut off from the world for years. Since 1945, Guernsey has celebrated ‘Liberation Day’ with commemorations, parades and parties.
In 2020, visitors to Guernsey and its smaller islands will be taking part in 75 unique heritage-themed celebrations to commemorate 75 years since their liberation. From exclusive tours, guided walks and exhibitions to outdoor and family events, the rolling programme of ‘Heritage75’ will enable visitors to discover and experience what life was like before, during and after the occupation.
Exciting events are also taking place at hotspots across the islands, including many historical sites. This includes a ramble through St Andrew’s parish on Guernsey that ends with a guided tour of the extraordinary German Underground Hospital, which is the largest structure of its kind in the Channel Islands. There is also a cycling tour that follows the exact route of the railway which was constructed during Guernsey’s occupation.
The island’s German Occupation Museum will be showcasing a series of events and talks as well as a new ‘Unseen History’ exhibition from 1 April. Updated for Heritage75, it will feature some ‘never before seen’ pictures, an exclusive colour film from the day Guernsey was liberated in 1945, plus a ‘Liberation Tearoom’, tableaux and models.
Beyond the shores of Guernsey, visitors to nearby Alderney can experience a ‘Fortress Fortnight’ between 17 July-2 August 2020. On select summer nights, live music will be performed around Alderney at ‘pop-up’ bars at four of the most prominent forts on the island. Tourists can usually only view these private forts from the outside, but this is an
opportunity for all visitors to take a closer look inside, all while concerts play out.
In addition to all this, Heritage75 will be beginning its events with a package for 25-28 May 2020 from the Old Government House Hotel & Spa at St Peter Port, Guernsey.
Due to the outbreak of Covid-19, Heritage75 has decided to postpone events running as part of the festival up until the end of April 2020. As the festival was due to run until October 2020, several events may be postponed until later in the year, depending on UK Government advice and action to protect public health.