THERE will be a bumper bash next year to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Liberation. But then the traditional festivities will go under the microscope as organisers seek to make the day relevant to a changing population.

‘The 60th anniversary will be the last big Liberation Day celebration as we know it,’ said organiser Tracy Cinavas, from CMA Public Relations.

‘As the number of people who were alive during the war becomes fewer, there will be a move towards making 9 May a national day.’

Mrs Cinavas believes that this could happen despite the success of the current format.

‘We have been planning the 60th anniversary celebrations for the last four months and there will be a huge cavalcade to mark the occasion,’ she said. ‘But I think it will be the last time there is a big military presence.

‘Jersey is also beginning to chime in with the ethos of making it a national day rather than exclusively Liberation Day.’

Outgoing Liberation Day Celebrations Committee president Mike Best has already expressed his belief that the day will have to change.

‘I think we have the balance at the moment between the commemorative events and the entertainment,’ said Mr Best.

‘But while it is vitally important to remember what makes 9 May so special, as the memories fade, hopefully the day will remain relevant by becoming more of a national day.’

The Culture and Leisure Department has taken on responsibility for the organisation of Liberation Day events.

Chief executive Dave Chilton wants to review how the day will be marked after the 60th anniversary.

‘Next year is a big one and there will be major celebrations to mark the 60th anniversary,’ he said.

‘But it is our intention to review exactly what the island expects and anticipates from Liberation Day beyond that.

‘In general, there has been a move towards the 60th anniversary of Second World War events being the watershed. While I always want to see Liberation elements involved in the celebrations, I think we are moving towards a time when we need to take the opportunity to make 9 May a national day.’

Mr Chilton spent this year shadowing the current organisers to gain a working knowledge of the operation.

‘I have been very impressed with the organisation and the quality of entertainment that they provide for the public. There is a strong structure in place for Liberation Day and we hope to carry on their good work in the future.’