History Fest and Milk Tales

This year’s History Fest theme is all about life on the farm, tying in with the opening of Guernsey Milk Tales – A History of the Guernsey Dairy and Milk Production on the Island. The major exhibition offers visitors a unique and fascinating experience, tracing the evolution of the Guernsey Dairy from its origins, to its 21st -century production, with insights into what dairy farming was like in days gone by.

What to expect over the weekend at History Fest on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 April:

Visitors will learn more about traditional Guernsey skills and industries, and get up close to some very special objects on loan by local collectors and artisans like Lloyd Robilliard, Max Gaudion and Trevor Rogers-Davis.

On Saturday, two very special 4-legged friends from La Petite Croute Farm, as well as Guernsey donkeys and goats.

On Sunday, there will be the opportunity to help make willow plant supports which will be gifted to the Ron Short Centre. This drop-in has been facilitated by Rae’s Willowcraft who work closely with the centre to pass on this traditional skill.

A catering pod from the Guernsey Dairy will be offering free samples, alongside information about Guernsey milk. Visitors can meet some of the people who work with Guernsey Dairy to provide the island with high-quality products.

The Discovery Room will be transformed into the ‘Butter Room’ where visitors can learn about Les Hechet Farm’s rich butter-making traditions and have a go at making their own butter using fresh Guernsey cream.

Attendees can get crafty and take the opportunity to make some milk carton bunting – perfect in the lead up to Liberation Day – as well as learn to make origami cows, post cards and milk cartons inspired by the Guernsey Herd in Japan.

Visitors can be the first to experiences Guernsey Milk Tales, the major temporary exhibition which offers visitors a unique and immersive experience, tracing the evolution of Guernsey’s dairy industry from traditional smallholder farming to modern milk production. Self-hosted activities and trails will also be on offer around the museum and gardens. Café Victoria will be open throughout the day, with Guernsey ice cream and a mouthwatering milkshake menu using local products.

Miffy Lane, Access & Learning Manager said:

"We're so excited to be hosting History Fest here at Candie for the second year running and especially to be marking the opening weekend of the Guernsey Milk Tales exhibition with so many guests, activities and even some four-legged friends. Inspired by the farmer's market, this is a unique way to celebrate spring and to take a moment to appreciate our island's traditional industries."

Saturday - Museum Rear Lawn
Meet Guernsey calves, donkeys and goats.

Sunday - Museum Rear Lawn
Help Rae’s Willowcraft make beautiful, willow plant supports to be donated to our friends at the Ron Short Centre.

All Weekend - Museum Terrace
Meet Guernsey Dairy and lean about why Guernsey Milk is good for you, good for Guernsey and even try your free sample!

All Weekend - Discovery Room (Timewarp will be temporarily closed)
Learn all about butter with Les Hechet Farm. Use original butter pats and do a butter making experiment using fresh Guernsey cream!

All Weekend - Museum Foyer
Make some Milk Carton bunting, your own Origami Cow, post card or milk carton.

All Weekend - Guernsey Museum
Self-hosted activities and trails around the museum and gardens.

Visitors are encouraged to attend early to maximise the experiences and activities on offer.

For up-to-date History Fest information, click here.