The year 2027 will mark the thousand-year anniversary of the birth of William the Conqueror.
Across Europe, events will be taking place to mark the occasion; and on our Islands, we'll be celebrating the the historical and cultural links that unite Normandy and the Channel Islands.
Geographically, the Islands of Guernsey are closer to Normandy than the UK and formed part of the Duchy of Normandy until 1204 - in fact, the King acts as our Head of State as the successor to the Duke of Normandy, rather than as the British Monarch.
Our native language, Guernesiais, is based on Norman French, and our legal system is based on a blend of Norman and English law. These Norman roots still shape our identity today.
Here's how you can explore them on your visit to our Islands.
Events Programme
In Guernsey, a year-round cultural events programme has been curated for the Millenium, notably featuring the major exhibition Meet the Normans.
Existing literature, walking and gastronomy themed festivals will embrace a Norman theme alongside numerous music and theatre events, art exhibitions, cultural exchanges, and projects led by many of the island’s cultural institutions, art organisations and charities.
In the islands of Sark and Alderney whole community events and festivals will also showcase the islands Norman heritage together with island traditions.
Keep an eye out for:
- Île d’Argent: Sark’s Norman Metal Festival
- Victor Hugo Centre: ‘La Normandie Inconnue: Unknown Normandy’
- The National Trust of Guernsey: Courtyard Concert and Lé Viaër Marchi
- Guernsey Arts: ‘Beyond Our Seas / Between Our Shores’
- Guernsey Museum: ‘Meet The Normans’ exhibition
- Guernsey Museum: Fete d’Etai & Community Procession
- Institute of Law Guernsey: Seminars
Travel Guide - A Norman Trip on our Islands
Day 1 - Guernsey
Morning
- The Guernsey Explorer. Scenic guided tour around the island with multiple stops. Coach tour.
Afternoon
- Guernsey Museums at Candie Gardens. Exhibition: ‘Meet the Normans’.
- Optional. Climb Victoria Tower and look out over all the islands and French coast.
Day 2 – Sark
Morning
- Sail to the Isle of Sark, step back in time to discover a truly unique Island, with no cars, only horse & carriages.
- Cycle to the stunning La Coupee and take in the scenery.
Afternoon
- Visit La Seigneurie House and Gardens -the seat of the Seigneur of Sark.
Evening
- Overnight in Sark or return to Guernsey
Day 3 – Guernsey
Morning
- Guided town walk. See Norman architecture, hear Guernésiais Guernsey’s native language, rooted in Norman French. Learn the Channel Islands' unique relationship with the British Crown due to the historical ties to the Duchy of Normandy.
Midday
- Noon day gun at Castle Cornet. Watch the keeps fire the cannon, explore the museums and gardens in the island fortress.
Afternoon
- Explore Guernsey coastal cliff paths, beaches and bays.
Day 4 – Alderney
Morning
- Sail or fly to the Island of Alderney to discover the unique wildlife, history and outdoors.
Evening
- Overnight in Alderney or return to Guernsey
Day 5 – Guernsey
- Self-Guided walk. Choose from over 50 routes using the VisitGuernsey app.
- Guernsey has hundreds of events, festivals and activities all year round taking place, try one of our local events.
Explore even more Norman Heritage
In 2027 you can discover Norman heritage across Europe, from our neighbouring Jersey and France, to Scandinavia and Italy. This map from Région Normandie and Millenium 2027 lets you explore events taking place across the continent.
Emerging from the meeting of Scandinavian Vikings and the local populations of northern France, the Norman's influence spread from the Seine Valley across the English Channel, through Ireland, into Scotland and Wales, south into Sicily and southern Italy, and north towards Scandinavia and Flanders.
The Norman story is often told through famous individuals. William the Conqueror became King of England in 1066 and transformed the political landscape of Britain. Yet the wider story also includes remarkable women and less familiar figures whose contributions were equally significant.
Matilda of Flanders, William's wife, governed Normandy in his absence and demonstrated the political power exercised by medieval women. Emma of Normandy, who became Queen of both England and Denmark, forged important links between Normandy, England and Scandinavia.
In Ireland, Richard de Clare, better known as Strongbow, established Norman influence through his marriage to Aoife MacMurrough. Meanwhile Roger I and Roger II created a cosmopolitan kingdom in Sicily that blended Norman, Byzantine, Arab and Latin cultures in ways that still fascinate historians today.
Two Centre Adventures
Turn your Millenium 2027 experience into a longer adventure! Explore the Normandy region of France with a short boat to St Malo from Guernsey; hop over to Jersey to complete your Channel Islands trip; or venture by air or sea to the UK and Ireland to discover even more heritage.
More exciting activities and celebrations will be announced as we near Millenium 2027. Keep an eye out on this page to stay up to date with the latest news and events.
