The Islands of Guernsey are a hive of community activity and unique festivals, with events being organised all year round.
Whether you want to experience the best of local and off-Island bands at a music festival, indulge in fresh local produce during the food festival or celebrate our Island's heritage at the shows and fêtes, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
We’ve gathered together a list of the upcoming festivals in Guernsey, for you to bookmark for your trip to our Islands in 2023.
Music and Dance Festivals
St James Dance Festival '23
When: 14th - 16th April
Where: St James
A weekend dedicated to dance, from Bachata to Ballroom, Salsa to Lindy Hop. Freshen up an old skill or learn something new and meet new people with dance workshops and social events. Every workshop is free to attend, just register your interest. There will be live music, with a live DJ on Friday, a special concert by local band, The Silverados, on Saturday and a vintage style Tea Dance with Show Dance on Sunday afternoon. Please note that some of the dance lessons will happen during the week, before the festival, to give as many people a chance to get involved as possible.
Guernsey Together Festival 2023
When: 27th and 28th May
Where: The Rabbit Warren, behind the Go-Kart Track at Victoria Avenue
The Guernsey Together Festival is a celebration of music, dance, food and drink and all things Guernsey. There’s a lineup of some of the best UK and European tribute acts, supported by local bands and showcasing the best of Guernsey’s music scene. As well as the main stage, there will be the BBC Introducing Stage for new acts, a dance tent and a VIP tent with access to a bar, a more relaxed atmosphere and a view of the main stage. This is a family event, so there’ll be plenty of space for people with children to settle down and a Family Zone, where the kids can enjoy a Rodeo Bull and Bouncy Castle. There’ll also be local stalls selling food, drinks and a selection of boutique arts and crafts.
Cobo Bay Balcony Gigs
When: 30th April, 29th May, 25th June, 16th July, 6th August, 28th August
Where: Cobo Bay Hotel and Beach
Enjoy the best tribute and local bands playing on the balcony of the Cobo Bay Hotel. You can either purchase tickets to have lunch before the performance or come along to the beach to enjoy the music with an epic view.
Chaos Guernsey Motorcycle and Music Festival
When: 23rd-25th June
Where: The Chaos Fields at Pleinmont Point
Chaos is a relaxed, family-friendly festival full of music and motorcycles. You can go for just a day, or bring your tent and stay for the weekend (if you’re over 18). Chaos promises a varied set list, with predominantly rock and metal on the Main Stage and an eclectic mix of everything musical in the Peace Tent. There are two well-stocked bars, a wide range of food and stalls for festival shopping. The bike show, burnout, tattoo and eating competitions will be joined by even more fun and games, including welly wanging, yard of Breda and cheese rolling.
SarkFest 2023
When: 7th-9th July
Where: Sark
Prepare for a weekend of Folk, Rock, Ska, Reggae, Blues and Acoustic local bands on Sark. As well as four stages, there will be Children’s Entertainers, the “Space Hopper Park” and Craft stalls along with festival food tents, the main bar and a Pimms and Wine bar.
Guernsey Street Festival
When: 22nd July - 5th August
Where: St Peter Port
Guernsey's annual talent celebration takes place over two weeks in the streets of a transformed St Peter Port, celebrating all forms of street performance. There will be music, art, theatre, dance, food, crafts and more from an array of talented local performers and artists joining the festival from all over the UK. Check their website for stage locations and who is performing when.
Vale Earth Fair
When: 27th August
Where: Vale Castle
The Vale Earth Fair is the longest-running music festival in the Channel Islands. There will be over 50 local and visiting acts across 6 stages, raising money for humanitarian organisations. This family-friendly event provides live music, entertainment, a children’s corner for kids and vegetarian food served by local chefs.
Food Festivals
Taste Guernsey Food Festival 23
When: 1st-30th April
Where: Eateries across Guernsey
The Taste Guernsey Food Festival 23 is a celebration of Guernsey produce and the very best ingredients found on island. The competition will test local chefs’ creativity and skills, with venues across the Island creating menus with an emphasis on local produce. Diners will be able to cast their votes for their favourite dishes in a range of categories via a dedicated event website or printed cards and will be in with the chance of winning prizes, including a three-night break at La Barbarie Hotel.
Spring Ale, Cider and Music Festival
When: 25th - 29th April
Where: The Mermaid Tavern, Herm
The Spring Ale and Cider Festival combines local live music and delicious food and drink. There will be lunchtime and evening sessions, so the fun will last all day. The ticket price includes a festival glass which is yours to take home as a memento. Please note that Tuesday 25th is the designated quiet night to allow those wanting less noise the chance to enjoy sampling the extensive ale menu without crowds and music. Travel to the Island must be booked separately.
Tennerfest
When: 1st October - 11th November
Where: Eateries across Guernsey
Local chefs gear up for a 6-week focus on food with the Tennerfest Food Festival. Hotels, restaurants, bistros, gastro pubs and cafes all take part in providing fixed price low-cost menus, showcasing the best of their cuisine and the local produce available in Guernsey. Eateries will serve all types of cuisine, from French or Italian to Chinese or Indian, and everything in between.
Culture and Traditional Festivals
Image above: Luke Le Prevost (Guernsey Press)
La Beltane Fete Sark
When: 29th April
Where: Sark
Visit Sark and dress up to celebrate Spring. There are a variety of events taking place, including a procession to dress the well and crown the maypole, Ceilidh, Morris and Maypole dancing, craft stalls, food and drink, workshops, games, poetry readings and more. The evening will have entertainment by The Basement Preachers, The Erberts and Yas, as well as a bonfire and traditional Wicker Man. The event will raise money for the Professor Saint Charity, the medical trust that subsidises the cost of prescribed medication to islanders on Sark. Under-12s celebrate for free, accompanied by an adult.
The Guernsey Literary Festival
When: 2nd-14th May
Where: Different Locations around Guernsey
An annual celebration of writing in Guernsey. There is a huge collection of more than 50 events, from talks by published authors, workshops where participants can improve their own writing, poetry readings and more. A full programme of events can be found on The Guernsey Literary Festival Website, and we’d recommend getting your tickets soon as certain events have limited space available.
Lé Viaër Marchi
When: 3rd July
Where: Saumarez Park
The hugely popular Viaër Marchi, hosted by the National Trust of Guernsey on the first Monday in July each year, signals the start of the Guernsey Summer season. Showcasing traditional Island crafts, favourite foods, music and dancing, this is a gathering enjoyed by generations of Islanders and visitors. The day will be filled with entertainment, so make sure you stop by for this traditional Guernsey celebration.
The Harbour Carnival
When: 21st July
Where: St Peter Port Harbour
The Harbour Carnival is an annual fun-filled family fundraising event in and around St Peter Port Harbour. Events include duck races, dinghy races, tug of war and a man-powered flight all culminating in a spectacular fireworks display over Castle Cornet in the evening.
Alderney Week
When: 7th - 12th August
Where: Alderney
Spend a week in the Alderney sun and enjoy live music and entertainment along with parties, carnivals and events for the whole family! There will be over 70 events happening during the week, and there is guaranteed to be something fun for everyone. Event details will be available nearer the time.
The West Show
When: 16th - 17th August
Where: Fields at L’Eree
Established over 100 years ago, The West Show is Guernsey’s premier agricultural and horticultural show. It is located on the picturesque West Coast of Guernsey at L’Eree, a large open area which was a former aerodrome. There will be large displays of exhibits by Guernsey residents in the traditional Country Show classes such as cakes, vegetables, flowers, fruit, arts and crafts and photography together with animal and livestock classes. There will be UK and local acts, as well as trade stalls, vehicle displays, food for all tastes, a funfair, pet tent, craft activities, face painting, the infamous beer tent and even lawnmower racing.
The North Show and the Battle of Flowers
When: 23rd-24th August
Where: Saumarez Park
Run by the Northern Agricultural and Horticultural Society, the programme of events includes performances by local and off-island talent, a fun fair and numerous stall-holders. The North Show features multiple exhibits, including livestock classes, agricultural produce, fruit and vegetables, flower arranging, cakes, baking and craft classes and more. The Battle of Flowers takes place in the afternoon of the second day, with creative and colourful floats covered in flowers paraded around the field, competing for the coveted “Prix d’honneur”. Spectators can take part in the judging and The Battle culminates in the evening illuminated cavalcade, rounded off with a spectacular firework display.
Sports and Outdoor Festivals
Spring Walking Festival
When: 20th May - 4th June
Where: Across the Bailiwick
Join us for the Spring Walking Festival - whether it’s for one route or a multi-day hiking holiday. The walks, led by experienced and professional guides from the Bailiwick of Guernsey Guild of Accredited Guides, will allow you to explore our Islands and learn about the rich history of each location. Each walk is rated from easy ambles to more difficult hikes, so you can choose the walks most suited to your ability. There is no need to book, just turn up to the meeting point, which will be near a bus stop and parking area.
The Rocquaine Regatta
When: 22nd July
Where: Rocquaine Bay
The Rocquaine Regatta is a fun-filled day with boat races, pavement artists, the Guernsey Majorettes, live music, apple bobbing, wheelbarrow races, pick a pint of winkles, three-legged races and more. There will also be free entry to the Fort Grey Shipwreck Museum all day and an evening barbecue.
Autumn Walking Festival
When: 16th September - 1st October
Where: Across the Bailiwick
Join us for the Autumn Walking Festival - whether it’s for one route or a multi-day hiking holiday. The walks, led by experienced and professional guides from the Bailiwick of Guernsey Guild of Accredited Guides, will allow you to explore all areas of our Islands and learn about the rich history of each location. Each walk is rated from easy ambles to more difficult hikes, so you can choose the walks most suited to your ability. There is no need to book, just turn up to the meeting point, which will be near a bus stop and parking area.
Be sure to keep an eye on this blog, as more festivals will be added as they are announced.
For more events happening on our Islands visit our What's On page.
(Image bottom left: Luke Le Prevost for Guernsey Press)
