VISITGUERNSEY EVENTS FOR 2012
VisitGuernsey is gearing up for the beginning of its tourism season with a number of exciting and varied events...
2012 sees the return of the biennial Victor Hugo International Music Festival (16-21 July), showcasing some of classical music’s biggest talents as well as its brightest rising stars. The festival takes its name from one of the Island’s best known residents of all time, for it was whilst in Guernsey that Victor Hugo was inspired to write and publish some of his most famous works including Les Misérables.
This year will also see the return of The Guernsey Literary Festival [13-16 September] and The Guernsey Music Festival [23-24 June] after their successful launches in 2011, and the third Guernsey Photography Festival [24 May - 22 June], which is fast becoming a major event on the European photography calendar. But whatever your passion - walking, wildlife, music, literature, comedy, food (or even scarecrows and sheep racing!) - Guernsey has something to inspire you in 2012.
This wide range of festivals and events demonstrates the best that the Island has to offer - its literary heritage, rich and sometimes dark history, unique Norman-French dialect, and quirky folklore - and it is this unique culture which makes Guernsey feel very different to the UK, despite being just an hour’s flight away.
Highlights on Guernsey's 2012 event calendar include:
Easter Festival of Living History
Friday 6 – Monday 9 April
The Island’s rich and sometimes turbulent history is brought to life with the Guernsey History in Action Company’s vivid storytelling and performances at Castle Cornet. Costumed characters, musical acts and family activities give the festival something for everyone, with tickets valid throughout the weekend.
www.museum.guernsey.net
Spring Floral Guernsey Festival
Saturday 14 – Sunday 22 April
Experience Guernsey’s natural beauty springing into life. Whether you’re an expert gardener or floral beginner, there are walks, talks and lectures available when the Island’s wildflowers are at their vibrant best, filling the hedges and fields.
www.floralguernsey.gg
Healthspan Spring Walking Week
Saturday 5 – Sunday 13 May
From wildlife and folklore, to history and heroes; explore on foot Guernsey’s coastline, countryside, the bustling town of St Peter Port as well as lesser-known parishes. Taking between two hours and half a day, walks are categorised to suit all abilities, with expert guides on hand to tell the tales of the Island’s fascinating history, culture and people.
www.visitguernsey.com
Liberation Day
Wednesday 9 May
This historic day marks Guernsey’s annual celebration of freedom and liberation from the occupying German forces in 1945. The pageantry of the Liberation Celebrations Cavalcade will be an integral part of the day’s celebrations, while the Liberation Firework Extravaganza will bring the day to a spectacular conclusion.
www.visitguernsey.com
Guernsey Photography Festival
Thursday 24 May – Friday 22 June
Now in its third year, this month long photo-fest is comprised of indoor and outdoor exhibitions featuring work by world-renowned photographers, as well as a multitude of community activities, competitions, workshops, talks and seminars for all ages and abilities.
www.guernseyphotographyfestival.com
Guernsey Festival of Comedy
Friday 25 May - Saturday 2 June
Come and have a giggle with the Guernsey Festival of Comedy. Nine days of laughter will feature cutting edge stand-up from UK and international comedians, comedy club evenings, classic film comedy, open mic nights and Edinburgh Festival previews.
www.happyguernsey.com
Guernsey Music Festival
Saturday 23 – Sunday 24 June
Returning to Guernsey after its successful launch last year, which saw it short-listed for Best New Festival at the UK Festival Awards, the music and cultural two-day festival will take place at The Rabbit Warren and include more than 80 well known and high profile acts.
http://guernseyfestival.gg/
Guernsey in Bloom
Sunday 1 – Sunday 15 July
Take a wander around winding lanes and public spaces festooned with vibrant floral displays as parishes compete to represent the Island in this year’s RHS Britain in Bloom competition. And you only have to glance at Guernsey’s hedges and fields to know the 2012 theme of ‘Wild about Wildflowers’ is absolutely perfect for the Island!
www.floralguernsey.gg
Victor Hugo International Music Festival
Monday 16 – Saturday 21 July
St Peter Port comes alive with classical music when this biennial festival returns with performances from the world’s leading classical performers and brightest new stars. The event takes its name from one of the Island’s best known residents, for it was in Guernsey that Victor Hugo was inspired to write and publish some of his most successful works.
http://www.vhfestival.com/
Sark Sheep Racing
Friday 20 – Sunday 22 July
A hugely popular and quirky event: a day at the races, Sark style. Just like Ascot, even down to the hats, but here sheep are the stars rather than horses – complete with their teddy-
bear jockeys, they race over a set course, providing fantastic fun for all the family.
www.sark.info
Torteval Scarecrow Festival
Saturday 4 – Sunday 5 August
Take a wander around the parish of Torteval, where the countryside is taken over by a motley crew of scarecrows - some traditional, many quirky or topical. Pick your favourite – they come in all shapes, styles and sizes! – whilst taking in the area’s natural beauty. An event that gets more and more popular every year.
www.visitguernsey.com
Healthspan Autumn Walking Week
Saturday 8 – Sunday 16 September
Whether it’s a leisurely stroll or serious hike, this is a great week to discover hidden paths and tracks around Guernsey with the help of accredited guides who will share their wealth of Island knowledge. From nature trails and countryside rambles to coastal walks along a rugged coast-line and historic tours of St Peter Port…
www.visitguernsey.com
Guernsey Literary Festival
Thursday 13 – Sunday 16 September
This book-themed weekend returns for a second year to explore Guernsey’s rich tradition for literature, folklore and history through writing, reading, prose and poetry. Venues across the island will stage exciting events for book fans of all ages and interests.
http://www.arts.gg/index.php/guernsey-literary-festival/
Autumn Floral Guernsey Festival
Saturday 29 September – Sunday 7 October
Whether you’re a dedicated horticulturalist or a budding beginner, the flora and fauna on offer on Guernsey at this time of year never fails to inspire. Explore the autumnal shades of the Island through various tours of open gardens, guided walks, lectures and workshops.
www.floralguernsey.gg
Tennerfest
Monday 1 October – Sunday 11 November
Now in its 15th year of providing gastronomic delights at fantastic prices. Starting from the 1st October, diners on Guernsey can look forward to six weeks of outstanding menus created from the wealth of local produce, all starting from £10. Cafés, gastro pubs, seafood restaurants, Italian, Indian and Chinese restaurants, as well as the more traditional hotel restaurants take part every year to tease the taste buds.
www.tennerfest.com
NEW! Britain in Bloom Awards
Saturday 6 October
Guernsey may only measure 25 square miles but it is bursting with natural beauty, which is why it is honoured to host the awards night for the RHS Britain in Bloom competition 2012, the UK's largest horticultural campaign which involves more than 1,000 communities each year.
www.floralguernsey.gg
For more information on visiting Guernsey please go
to www.visitguernsey.com or call 01481 723 552
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