Sark Marks 80th Anniversary of Liberation with Unforgettable Weekend of Celebration

The milestone was marked by the visit of Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal, and by the island’s warm welcome of international guests, including a delegation from the Département of La Manche.

The weekend’s commemorations began on Thursday 8th May with the lighting of the V.E. Day Beacon at Pilcher’s Monument, joining communities across the UK in a shared moment of remembrance. The symbolic procession of the flame to the Sark Prison marked the beginning of a reflective and celebratory series of events.

On Saturday 10th May, the island was honoured by the visit of Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal, whose itinerary included a walk along The Avenue, a commemorative tree planting at La Collinette, and a ceremonial carriage ride to La Seigneurie. Her Royal Highness also visited Sark’s Occupation Exhibition at the Old Island Hall, engaging with the island’s living history and legacy of resilience.

A formal presentation on Saturday welcomed a French delegation led by President Jean Morin, who offered moving words of appreciation and solidarity. On behalf of the Département of La Manche, he presented the ‘Liberté Bell’ to the Seigneur, Major Christopher Beaumont, in a symbolic gesture of unity. President Morin expressed his deep gratitude for the hospitality shown and described the occasion as both exceptional and forward-looking.

That same afternoon, residents and visitors joined in a vibrant celebration featuring Chelsea Pensioners, Gurkhas, a street party, live music, and a beacon lighting at the Millennium Field; the evening closed with music and community spirit that continued until late.

The weekend concluded on Sunday 11th May with a church service, a family picnic, and a cavalcade around the Millennium Field, culminating in a performance of ‘The Dame of Sark’ and a screening of ‘Appointment with Venus’, the iconic film tied to Sark’s wartime story.

From solemn remembrance to joyful celebration and an amazing atmosphere thanks to the hard work of the organising committee and the island community itself, the 80th Anniversary of Sark’s Liberation was truly a weekend to remember - one that honoured the past and embraced the future.

As part of the commemorations, the island paid special tribute, by unveiling a plaque in The Avenue, to Sark’s own liberated residents who lived through the Occupation and witnessed the return of freedom to their shores. Among those honoured were Linda Adams, Edric Baker, Jenny Baker, Betty Guille, George Guille, Joyce Southern, and Margaret Toms. Their presence at the events served as a poignant reminder of the enduring strength, courage, and resilience of Sark’s people. Their stories remain a vital link to the island’s past and a source of inspiration for future generations.

The Seigneur, Major Christopher Beaumont, said, ‘This was a lovely weekend; a fitting celebration to mark 80 years of our freedom. To welcome Her Royal Highness to Sark was for everyone involved a great honour. We were delighted also to welcome our friends from France with whom we look forward to working together and celebrating our shared history and culture.’