Dean to lead his final Liberation Day service

The Dean of Guernsey is set to lead his last Liberation Day service before he retires later in the year.

The Very Reverend Tim Barker announced in January that he would retire on 31 July.

Barker, who has been in the position since 2015 will host his final service in the Town Church on 9 May at 11:00 BST.

He said this would be his eleventh Liberation Day service, with each one "memorable and fulfilling".

The government said there would be a parade before the service which would include visiting military and Chelsea Pensioners, uniformed youth organisations and veterans.

It said the march would be from the White Rock to the seafront, where it would be inspected by The Lieutenant-Governor and The Bailiff.

The parade will continue into the Town Church for the service, which will include hymns, prayers and acts of remembrance for the people who lived through the war and the island's occupation.

Barker said: "It has been a great privilege to be involved so deeply in the commemoration of one of the most significant days in Guernsey's history."

"The Liberation Day services provide a space for islanders to come together at the start of the day to take a moment to remember our shared history, and recognise the sacrifices made by so many for our freedom today."

The States said the 2026 church service would commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Thanksgiving Service held on 9 May 1946, when hundreds gathered at Candie Gardens one year after Guernsey's liberation.

The service is open for all to attend at the church but space is limited. There will also be a livestream on screen on Albert Pier.

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