Culture & History | News 27 September 2023

Things to do this month on The Islands of Guernsey

Late summer into autumn is a wonderful time to visit the Islands of Guernsey. The sun is out and the air is crisp and fresh, perfect for a wellness walk along our cliff paths or through our country lanes.

There are loads of exciting events and activities planned both inside and outdoors to get involved in on your trip. Whether you want to get outside and enjoy the fresh air, experience local food or dance the evening away with a live performance, we have something for everyone.

We've gathered upcoming events here for you to explore.

October

1st - 6th October: Art at the Park - Fragments of the Landscape

An exhibition of Bozena Pollock’s panoramic landscape paintings focused on Guernsey. The paintings are genuine expressions of flowing, informal, atmospheric colour and celebrate the vastness of the surrounding oceanic environment with its large skies, dramatic sunsets and clear, ever-changing seas. The exhibition will be at the National Trust Museum at Saumarez Park and there will be free admission daily.

1st - 31st October: Guided Walks Around St Peter Port

Learn more about the history of St Peter Port on a guided walk. Taking place every day at 10:30am, with an additional walk at 5:30pm every Wednesday, each walk lasts around 1.5 - 2 hours and allows you to explore Guernsey’s capital. The guides will impart their knowledge of the town and all of its secrets as you walk. There is no need to book, just turn up at the Guernsey Information Center on the day ready to explore.

1st-31st October: Le Hechet Farm Pumpkins

Pick your perfect locally grown Pumpkin for Halloween at Le Hechet Farm. Meet the farm animals, take photos on tractors and enjoy a Le Hechet Farm ice cream while you’re there.

1st October - 30th November: Tennerfest

The Tennerfest is the Island's annual food celebration, with restaurants offering set menus at lower costs. Hotels, restaurants, bistros, gastro pubs and cafes all take part in providing fixed priced menus showcasing the best of their cuisine and the local produce available in Guernsey. The festival has prices from 3 courses for £10 up to £20, depending on the restaurant, letting you explore Guernsey's gastronomy for less. Don’t forget to vote for your favourite eatery.

1st October - 15th December: Renoir in Guernsey, 1883 Exhibition

In September 1883, Renoir stayed in Guernsey for just over a month. During this period, he created 15 paintings, many of Moulin Huet Bay. The only Renoir exhibition in the world in 2023, this brand new experience by Art for Guernsey will celebrate the 140th anniversary of Pierre-Auguste Renoir’s stay and the inspiration that he found on the island. In partnership with the Guernsey Museums and the Musée des Impressionnismes Giverny, including a host of major international loans.

The centrepiece of the event will be a fine art exhibition at Candie Museum, with other exhibitions and activities planned at the Priaulx Library, the Renoir Walk and Art for Guernsey’s gallery in the Old Quarter. Other events include: 

  • Capturing Movement and Light, Paul Chambers’ photography exhibition at AFG Gallery and the Public Photography Exhibition.
  • The Renoir Walk at Moulin Huet, which allows you to see the bay from the same perspectives as Renoir did.
  • A Day in 1883 at Priaulx Library, a collection of engravings, photographs and documents recreating the atmosphere of the island at the time of Renoir’s visit. 

We also have a collection of Renoir-themed special offers and package deals, which can be viewed on the offers page of our website. Just filter ‘type’ by ‘Renoir’.

Kindly sponsored by Investec 

1st October - 16th December: 'For Art & For Love': Reflections of a life with Renoir

Hear memories of Guernsey in 1883, told from the perspective of Renoir's wife Aline. This living history show will be performed every Saturday at the Priaulx Library, commissioned by Guernsey Museums to mark the 140th anniversary of Pierre-Auguste Renoir's stay in Guernsey and the inspiration that he found on the island.

1st October - 31st December: Guernsey Park Run

A 5k run every Saturday morning, all year round. The Park Run is an off-road course next to the beautiful Pembroke Bay, with many runners going for a swim or stopping in for a bite to eat and a drink at Pembroke Beach café afterwards. You’ll be running alongside runners of all abilities, as well as children and dogs, so this is the perfect, relaxed event for all. There is no need to book, just turn up in your running kit between 9 and 10am.

3rd October - 30th November: Limited time French menu at The Cornerstone

Try out a special three course, fixed-price French menu at The Cornerstone. With French classics like French Onion Soup, Cordon Bleu and more, not to mention the delicious desserts to finish your meal, there is something for all taste buds.

4th October: An Evening of Magic with Richard Jones

Lance Corporal Richard Jones, the only Magician to ever win Britain’s Got Talent, is coming to St James. The compere for the night is International Magician Tom Wright, who’s use of magic and comedy is guaranteed to blow your mind and make you laugh.

6th October: Flamingods at St James

The return of celebrated multi-instrumentalists Flamingods to St James. The band are known for rotating positions during their live sets, swapping instruments in between tracks, making for an unpredictable and unique live show. All ages welcome, under 14s to be accompanied by an adult.

7th October: The Baghdaddies

The Baghdaddies are returning to St James this October. Come along to dance, sing and be merry to their brand of world music. All ages welcome, under 14’s to be accompanied by an adult.

7th October: Club Tropicana - 80's Night

The ultimate 80’s throwback at Canvas Nightclub. Come along for a night of 80’s classics with local DJ Chris Pearson (FADE2GREY) and support from Leon Robertson.

7th and 8th October: Guernsey Film Fest 2023

The 2023 edition of the Guernsey Film Fest is brought to you by Delimited IT Solutions. This free evening at the Mallard Cinema will present local and international films, from short and feature length films of all genres to documentaries. The Festival program for 2023 will soon be published.

7th - 21st October: Nerine Festival

Plant Heritage Guernsey have had National Collection status for their Nerines since 2017. This display at Guernsey Gardens Plant Centre will also have Nerine plants to buy, including the species of Nerine Sarniensis, the true Guernsey lily. There will be someone to answer questions every Saturday and Sunday. Free entry and parking.

7th and 21st October: Castel Farmer’s Market

Explore local produce at the Friquet Garden Centre in Castel. Here you can meet local food producers and makers and pick up a tasty Guernsey treat. There will be a wide array of stalls including fresh vegetables, meat and fish, baked goods and more.

8th October: Autumn Fayre

Visit the Autumn Fayre at The Farmhouse and find a range of food, drinks, gifts and household products handmade by a range of local vendors.

10th October: Poetry Tea Party

A friendly, informal group for poetry lovers to share work, hear others and enjoy tea at the Guille-Allès Library.

10th-15th October: Le French Festival 2023

Le French Festival, a celebration of French culture on the Islands of Guernsey, returns with a host of French-themed activities, exhibitions, music, food, films and even an opera. Dive into the French influences on Guernsey culture and enjoy a taste of France right here on our Islands.

10th-28th October: Bunkers, Beach Stripes and Ices Exhibition - Art at the Park

Jeni Snell is a London-based multidisciplinary visual artist from Guernsey. Jeni creates artwork that celebrates and promotes diversity, empowerment and equality by using allegory and metaphor. Paying homage to Guernsey’s Occupation, Jeni often works with cast-concrete methodology to create sculptures, such as in her new series of ‘Brutalist Ice-creams’. The exhibition will be on view at the National Trust of Guernsey’s Art at The Park Gallery in The Folk and Costume Museum at Saumarez Park, open 10am – 5pm seven days a week. Free admission.

11th October: Floral Design Guernsey, Ikebana

Junko Kikuchi is a professor of Ikebana and will take you through a journey of the Japanese art of Ikebana arranging at St Martins Community Centre.

13th - 28th October: Sarnia Arts & Crafts Club ‘Renoir Inspired’ Exhibition

Sarnia Arts and Crafts Club ‘Renoir Inspired’ Exhibition at Sula Framing and Gallery with original paintings and crafts created by the club’s talented members. You can even vote for your favourite entry.

14th October: 90s Night - throwback to the 90s

Dance the night away 90s style with Party On at the KGV Sports Bar. Food and drink will be available.

14th October: Canvas Presents: Chase & Status

Fresh off their Boomtown headline set, Drum and Bass duo Chase & Status is coming to Canvas Nightclub. Please note that this is an 18+ event. Get your tickets now as they will not be sold on the door.

15th October: Bunkers, Beach Stripes and Ices - A discussion

Jeni invites you to a discussion on her latest exhibition, ‘Bunkers, Beach Stripes and Ices’, with Mark Cook. She will discuss the inspirations for her exhibition, the nature of her work and the wider implications of the relevance of art to the depiction of history in the modern environment. The talk will take place at the Art at the Park Gallery at the Folk and Costume Museum at Saumarez Park. Free entry.

15th October: Lihou Adventures with 1st Call Guernsey Tours

A 2hr walking tour exploring the geography, history and people of Lihou Island, the smallest Island in our archipelago, including an optional swim in the renowned Venus Pool followed by a hot drink and a slice of Guernsey Gache. Meet at L’Eree headland car park to walk across the causeway with the group. Booking is essential as spaces will fill up quickly. If you can’t make this date, don’t worry - there are plenty coming up.

21st October: Souper Spooky Saturday

Come to the Victorian Walled Kitchen Garden at Saumarez Park for a ‘Souper Spooky’ time. There is sure to be something for everyone. More details coming soon.

24th October: Sunshine Bears & Oaty & Joey's Trip

Departing the Albert Pier, take a trip along the Seafront and inland to Sunshine Bears at Oaty and Joey’s. Each child will build an 8" bear before enjoying Oaty and Joey's Playbarn, along with a drink and snack, before heading back to St Peter Port. Child ticket includes the 8-inch build-a-bear experience with Sunshine Bears, play session in Oaty & Joey's, small drink and snack. Additionally, you’ll receive a 15% discount on any Sunshine build-a-bear accessories purchased on the trip and there is an option to upgrade to a 16" bear on the day for an additional £4 payable to Sunshine Bears on the day.

24th - 29th October: Half-Term Family Film Festival

From Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, to Spider-Man: Across the Spiderverse or even The Super Mario Bros Movie, there's something for all the family at the newly refurbished Beau Sejour theatre, where you can enjoy the full cinema experience.

25th October: The Toddler Train

Meet at Albert Pier for The Toddler Train, designed for preschool age children to enjoy a trip on The Petit Train whilst singing, dancing and clapping along to their favourite nursery rhymes.

26th October: The Kooky Tea Club #7

A vintage-style high tea at the Old Government Hotel and Spa, with cocktails and mocktails on arrival and a Secret Guest presenter to get the conversation started before a delicious selection for afternoon tea. Tables of 2 to group bookings of 10 are available. Please advise any specific dietary requirements at the time of booking.

26th October: Frozen sing-a-long

Meet at Albert Pier and get ready to board the Petit Train and sing-a-long to all of your favourite songs from Frozen and Frozen 2. Perfect for the whole family, dress up encouraged.

27th October: Salsa & Tapas Night

A night full of rhythm, flavour and fun with the perfect combination of salsa and tapas at the Mill Street Community Café. Tickets include tapas and dancing, please inform the cafe of any dietary requirements well ahead of time. Proceeds from tickets and donations on the night will go towards supporting both the café and the Christmas town lights appeal.

27th October: Dizzy Donkey Halloween Party

Dizzy Donkey fundraisers are excited to invite children of all ages to their Halloween party at the KGV. there will be two rooms, one hosting a UV Halloween Disco and the other having a selection of drinks, snacks and a colouring table for children who need some time out. Please note that fancy dress is optional and parents/carers must remain on-site for the duration of the party. Tickets include entry into the UV Halloween Disco, drinks and small snacks and a party bag for each child. All profits go towards supporting the Frossard Children’s Ward at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

27th October: Blues Legend Lil' Jimmy Reed with The A Team

One of the last surviving performers of classic Louisiana down-home blues, Lil’ Jimmy and his band, The A Team, have been taking Europe by storm. His music has won him many awards and an induction into the Blues Hall of Fame. Support from Jon Shaban from Cape Town who has recently moved to Guernsey. All ages welcome, under 14s to be accompanied by an adult.

28th October: Halloween at St James

St James’ big Halloween Party will take you to the home of Dracula himself: Transylvania. There will be live music from Baghdaddies, Bethlehem Casusals and Hot Springs. The cafe will be open, hosting the Acoustic Cave with performances throughout the night.

28th October: Halloween Ball

Dress up in your scariest costume and get ready to dance the night away at the Duke of Richmond Hotel. There will be a range of activities, including a costume contest, a raffle, a photo booth and live music from Neon Fire. Raising funds for Action for Children Guernsey. Tickets include a 3 course dinner and a drink on arrival.

28th October: Halloween Party at Koi Koi

Get ready for a night of ghoulish fun at KoiKoi. Come dressed in your most creative and frightening costume and make this Halloween one to remember. There will be a costume contest with prizes for the best dressed, music and dancing with a live DJ, sweet treat and drinks at the buffet and bar, and tarot card readings. Please note that this is a 18+ event.

28th October: Pumpkin Floral Workshop

Create a stunning floral arrangement within a locally grown pumpkin the perfect alternative for halloween decorating at the Vale Douzaine Rooms. All materials provided as well as refreshments, please bring your own mug for hot drinks.

29th October: Trick or Treat Train

A safe and spooky way for your little ones to enjoy Halloween. Hop aboard the Petit Train for a train ride around St Peter Port, starting at Albert Pier, spooky music, sweets and more. Fancy dress is encouraged for both adults and children, with a  prize for best dressed.

November

1st November: Fanny Davies International Piano Series Presents Luke Jones

Luke Jones, an extraordinary young musician from Wales, will be hosting a masterclass for local musicians to attend before a performance filled with classic piano pieces, featuring Bach, Beethoven and more. Kindly supported by The Swallow 2018 Charitable Trust and The Guernsey Arts Commission.

1st November - 20th December: Christmas Cocktails in Herm

Enjoy a social afternoon on Herm this festive season and try the White House Hotel’s Christmas cocktails and charcuterie, cheese or vegan platters, available every Wednesday up to Christmas. Tickets include 3 x Christmas Cocktails per person and a Charcuterie, Cheese or Vegan platter. Ferry tickets to be brought separately.

Other dates:
1st November
8th November
15th November
29th November
6th December
13th December
20th December

3rd November: Electric Footprints

Electric Footprints is a Jazz-Hiphop crossover group formed of three London session players and friends, Harry Pope, Joe Downard and James Beckwith. Their live sets are free flowing, eclectic and always focused on heavy, dirty grooves. They will be at St James as part of The GLobal Colelction. All ages welcome, under 14s to be accompanied by an adult. The Global Collection is kindly supported by Spring, Guernsey Arts, Roquettes Cider and The John Ramplin Charitable Trust.

3rd November: My Universe Tiffany Anna Art Exhibition - Launch Night

Step into local artist, Tiffany Anna's, colourful world and explore the depths of her imaginative mind at her final exhibition, My Universe. You won't want to miss this one-of-a-kind showcase of vibrant and captivating art pieces in the Market Place in St Peter Port that are sure to leave you in awe. You'll have the opportunity to meet the artist herself and gain insight into the inspiration behind each piece. Book your place quickly - there are 100 tickets availabe. The Exhibition is also open Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th, free entry.

5th November: Bonfire Celebrations

Celebrate Bonfire Night at one of the public displays found around Guernsey. Keep your eyes peeled on this page for updates as events are announced.

11th November: Guernsey Symphonic Winds: A Military Band Musical Tribute with special guests Guernsey Bach Choir

Conducted Alan Gough at St James, the Guernsey Symphonic Winds present a concert packed full of musical treats with a varied programme of pieces to suit all tastes, including Light Classics, Film, Musical Theatre and concert works. The evening will include a special Military Tribute to mark Remembrance Weekend. A donation from the proceeds of the concert will be given to the Poppy Appeal. Kindly sponsored by Sarnia Hotels.

11th November - 3rd December: Herm Christmas Shopping Trips

Sail over to Herm for the perfect pre-Christmas shipping trip and day out. The Herm Shop will have plenty of decorations, cards and ornaments, as well as beautiful and unique stocking fillers and gift ideas to make your Christmas extra special.  Pulse, bring your letters to Santa to post in the Puffin post box. After shopping, enjoy a walk around the island and tuck into a festive meal at the Mermaid Tavern.

Other dates:
11th November
12th November
18th November
19th November
25th November
26th November
2nd December
3rd December

12th November: Winter Fayre - Peninsula

The Winter Fayre at the Peninsula will be filled with local sall holders selling homemade goods, gifts, sweet treats and more.

16th November: The Swallow Recitals presents: The Marmen Quartet

With a growing reputation for the courage, vitality and intensity of its performances the Marmen Quartet is fast establishing itself as one of the most impressive and engaging new talents in the chamber music arena. They will be at St James for one night performing a varied programme that includes Mozart, Takemitsu and Beethoven.

18th November: Mirror Ball Night with The Cuban Brothers

From sold-out tours, festival spots and support slots for rock royalty to crazy club nights, film roles and fashion shows, The Cuban Brothers' are now coming to St James. They may be a comedy act, but they're also serious musicians who have played with Prince, toured with James Brown and supported Fatboy Slim, Chuck Berry and De La Soul. Supported by local acts, including Leon Robertson. Please note that this event is for ages 25+.

19th November: Christmas Fayre - farmhouse

Perfect for picking up that unique gift for Christmas, The Christmas Fayre at the Farmhouse Hotel will host a variety of local stall holders selling their homemade crafts, produce, decorations, gifts and more.

21st November: Past Tents - a hilarious 5-star rated, dark and moving comedy

Multi-Award winning writer/actors David J. Keogh and Seth Jones are bringing the UK run of their new comedy, Past Tents, also starring Mark Keegan, to St James. 'Past Tents' is the story of two desperate people at the end of their tent ropes, forced into each other's company. It is a play that will make you laugh, cry and give you a great night out. Please note that this event is for ages 16+.

24th November: Its Own Animal: Album Launch

The Guernsey based alt-electronic, folk house, ambient dance pop producer and performer, Garry Minto, AKA Its Own Animal, will be launching their new album: Strike a Spark (Against the Dark) at the cafe at St James. Guest artists will include an eclectic DJ set and short live performance from Flexagon, along with a couple of other surprise performances.

25th November: Christmas Lights Switch On in town

Christmas arrives in Guernsey, with a visit from Father Christmas himself to press the button that illuminates St Peter Port and collect all of the children’s letters to take back to the North Pole with him. He will start at the Model Yacht Pond before making his way to Market Square where the lights will be switched on.

26th November: Traditional Christmas Fayre at St Pierre Park

The Traditional Christmas Fayre at St Pierre Park organised by Handmade by Faybelline is one of the biggest Christmas Fayres on the island and one not to be missed. There will be a selection of local sellers at the events, selling everything from food and drink to crafts and that perfect unique gift for christmas.

26th - 28th November: Christmas Lights Tours of St Peter Port

Meet at Albert Pier and hop on the Petit Train for a magical tour of St Peter Port. Enjoy classic Christmas songs as you travel through Town and admire the festive lights. The perfect way to step into the Christmas Spirit.

Other dates include:
26th November
27th November
28th December
3rd December
5th December
10th December
12th December
17th December
19th December
20th December

Make sure to visit the What's On page to find out things to do on the Islands of Guernsey in future months. 

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