In our second edition of Guernsey News you will find information on the newest tourism experiences, the key events coming up, as well as…
• VisitGuernsey unveils results of YouGov research
• New campaign tells Marmite lovers to go to Guernsey
• The Liberation Chocolate Bar is here
• Newcastle, Edinburgh, Belfast: More flights to Guernsey
• More outdoors activities now on offer on the island
• John Nettles marks the 70th anniversary of Guernsey’s Nazi Occupation
WHAT’S NEW
VisitGuernsey unveils results of YouGov research
New research by YouGov on behalf of VisitGuernsey has unveiled a desire for quality individual experiences and destinations which offer a sense of discovering something authentic, suggesting that the ‘fly-and-flop’ package to a manufactured resort does not fit the bill anymore. According to the survey of 2,078 adults:
• Nearly two-thirds of UK holidaymakers want their break to be ‘unique and personal’, rather than a mass package experience
• A massive 81 per cent identified ‘being able to potter and explore at your own pace’ as one of the key appealing features of a holiday or short break
• On a scale of 1-10 in importance, 66 per cent rated having a unique and personal holiday as a ‘7’ or above
• Nearly half of respondents (48 per cent) rated ‘spending quality time with loved ones’ as a ‘10’ in importance; 80 per cent rated it as an ‘8’ or above
• Almost two thirds (64 per cent) rated ‘being able to choose from a range of activities’ as an appealing feature of their break
• Even more popular were ‘natural, unspoilt surroundings’, with 73 per cent of those surveyed rating them as a ‘7’ or above in importance
• Amusement arcades and theme parks were the big holiday turn-offs, appealing respectively to just eight and 14 per cent of those asked
• Hotel buffet breakfasts got the thumbs down too, with almost twice as many (43 per cent versus 23 per cent) preferring theirs freshly cooked to order
“Clearly, the message consumers are giving us is that a holiday or short break is more than just a product – it’s about reconnecting with family and friends, and that is why people want a very personalised experience,” said Chris Elliott, Director of Marketing and Tourism. “We believe that Guernsey, with its relaxed, genuine atmosphere, its personal touch and emphasis on quality, is uniquely placed to provide this.”
www.visitguernsey.com
New activities on offer:Anyone for bivouac camping? Or maybe stream walking?
Newly established Island Adventures is a new and exciting outdoor activities provider in Guernsey. Specialising in small groups, fully qualified and with 13 years of experience between them, the team have a real passion for sharing their experiences.
Unforgettable scenery can be enjoyed on many levels during each adventure, while Island Adventures’ fleet of equipment can be easily transported around the island, seeking out the most suitable location to accommodate the weather conditions and the individual needs of each group.
At the moment the following activities are available: bivouac camping, with practical experience of bushcraft camping and survival skills; stream walking up Guernsey’s picturesque south coast streams; kayaking around the island’s stunning coastline; and coasteering along the rocky shores.
Island Adventures is in the process of developing a ‘Rib and Rock Adventure’, using a Rigid Inflatable Boat to access unique areas of Guernsey for coasteering and scrambling adventures. www.islandadventures.gg
More Flybe services to Guernsey
Further to the already announced new service from Norwich, Flybe is launching three more new non-stop summer services to Guernsey, from Newcastle, Edinburgh and Belfast.
The services, which will operate for the summer period only, will be available twice weekly from Newcastle (on Tuesdays and Saturdays) and Belfast (on Wednesdays and Saturdays) and three times a week from Edinburgh (on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays).
With the addition of these flights, Guernsey will be connected with direct services with 13 airports in the UK (already with London Gatwick, London Stansted, Manchester, Birmingham, East Midlands, Bristol, Exeter, Southampton and Plymouth). www.flybe.com
On sale for £7,600: Limited edition of the Channel Islands chess set
A limited edition of a unique chess set featuring famous Guernsey characters such as James de Sausmarez and Guernsey Goat has now gone on sale for £7,600.
An innovative project in the planning for years, the Channel Islands chess set reflects direct consumer input as to which characters would make the most interesting pieces. The board is partly made locally of blue-grey Guernsey granite, while the oak box is handmade by a local craftsman.
The exclusive numbered edition consists of 40 sets, with silver weight of 4.5 kilograms each. www.aurumjewellers.co.uk
LIBERATION DAY UPDATE
John Nettles marks the 70th anniversary of Guernsey’s Nazi Occupation
Guernsey will be in the spotlight in a new series that marks the 70th anniversary of the German invasion and occupation of the Channel Islands and premieres exclusively on Yesterday channel on 28 June.
Written and presented by John Nettles, The Channel Islands at War is an emotional examination of the German invasion and occupation of the Channel Islands and the lasting legacy it left on the islands.
From June 1940, when the Nazis arrived, until May 1945, the inhabitants of Guernsey and the other Channel Islands lived through five years of oppression, terror and near starvation, which have left an indelible scar still evident 70 years later.
John Nettles’ journey takes him to places that still bear witness to the war: he hears stories of courage, outrage and deprivation from those who lived through the jackbooted occupation, paying tribute to the ordinary people who trod a perilous path through an epic conflict.
www.visityesterday.co.uk
The Liberation Chocolate Bar is here
To celebrate 65 years of freedom, Ben Le Prevost Chocolates has created a special Liberation Bar, with the tag of an original Guernsey identity card.
The local chocolatier came up with the idea after coming across a photograph that shows a schoolboy receiving a chocolate bar from a British soldier, which is thought to have been taken in St Peter Port on 9 May 1945, the day that Guernsey was liberated from German occupation.
Proceeds from the sales of the Liberation Bar will be given to the Help for Heroes charity.
www.leprevostchocolates.com
Liberation Day website now live
A useful online tool has now gone live with everything you need to know about how Guernsey will celebrate the special 65th anniversary of the historic Liberation Day next month.
Katherine Jenkins may be helping to kick off the celebrations a few days early but it will actually be the weekend of Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 May when most of the live entertainment, music, outdoor singing, dancing and eating is planned to take place – including Guernsey Sings – A Thousand Voices, which will bring together for the first time more than 1200 voices singing together in one huge performance.
This year’s anniversary theme is appropriately ‘Remember and Celebrate’, to remember the hardship that Guernsey men and women endured during the long years of the Occupation from 1940 to 1945 and to celebrate the priceless gift of freedom.
Leading up to the Liberation Day celebrations, the website has an extensive image library and is constantly updated with the latest information available on the various events taking places around the island.
www.guernseyliberationday.com
ONLINE NEWS
New campaign tells Marmite lovers to go to Guernsey
Love it or hate it, British yeast extract brand Marmite has launched a spoof election campaign featuring opposing ‘Love’ and ‘Hate’ parties – and if the Hate Party has its way, Guernsey is to become ‘Marmiteland’, a designated Marmite eating zone!
A Marmite spokesperson has been quoted as saying that “Guernsey is a beautiful island and the holiday destination of choice of Love Party leader Fay Freely, making it an obvious target for The Hate Party in their quest to stop the spread of Marmite”.
Marmite’s links with Guernsey don’t end there: back in 2008, Guernsey-born artist Jeremy Fattorini was commissioned to make a Marmite coated replica sculpture of Rodin’s The Kiss for the brand’s ‘Love Marmite’ Valentines campaign.
VisitGuernsey has put together its own poll to find out what consumers think and already more than three quarters of voters (77 per cent) are suggesting “Yes, bring it on... Guernsey will become Marmite nirvana!” as opposed to 23 per cent who prefer “No!!! Banish Marmite from Guernsey forever....” www.visitguernsey.com/blog
Grub & Gastro:The very best of Guernsey’s food scene
A new venture called Grub & Gastro has been developed to showcase Guernsey’s food scene, which is evolving with great investment across a range of establishments and local food stores.
Both locals and visitors to the island can enjoy a highly diverse food industry, ranging from talented chefs, seasoned restaurateurs and a plethora of high quality venues to local produce, locally sourced sea food and a home-grown harvest.
At the heart of the Grub & Gastro concept is a highly interactive website: it profiles all areas of Guernsey’s food community, including: food news, events, industry updates, directory of local venues and cuisine, special offers and competitions, a blog and a food forum.
www.grubandgastro.co.uk
PUT IT IN THE DIARY!
Occupation: Behind Barbed Wire until Sunday 12 September
During the World War II, some 2,000 Channel Islanders were deported to prison camps in Germany. To occupy their time and to produce the comforts and necessities of life, the deportees applied themselves to arts and crafts. A range of objects and artworks will be on show, telling the story of enterprise during those dark years. The exhibition will be accompanied by educational and family activities. www.museum.guernsey.net
1st Guernsey Photography Festival NEW EVENT Monday 3 – Saturday 29 May
The inaugural Guernsey Photography Festival welcomes exhibitions by renowned international photographers Josef Koudelka (Invasion Prague 68), Simon Norfolk (Afghanistan), Judah Passow (Shattered Dreams) and Tim Hetherington (Liberia Retold and Sleeping Soldiers). It also features community activities, competitions and talks, as well as work by local photographers. Admission is free. www.guernseyphotographyfestival.com
Comedy Night – starring Lee Hurst Wednesday 9 June
For one night only, funnyman Lee Hurst will be on Guernsey – go and have a laugh… One of the newest events on the island’s busy calendar, the Guernsey Festival of Comedy lasts nine days of laughter and features visiting international comedians, comedy club nights, classic film comedy, as well as shows from the Edinburgh Festival. www.happyguernsey.com
Pants in the Park Sunday 20 June
Make a hero of yourself and wear your decorated pants ‘superman style’ over your trousers – Pants in the Park is back! The event aims to raise awareness about Prostate Cancer and includes 1km runs, raffle, games and entertainment for all the family at Saumarez Park… www.pantsinthepark.org
Guernsey Summer Seafood Thursday 1 July – Tuesday 31 August
A small island with a big and enduring passion for food, Guernsey celebrates throughout July and August its cosmopolitan seafaring heritage and bountiful sea. Come and try seafood freshly harvested and local culinary delicacies – restaurants offer special menus throughout the island! www.goodfoodguernsey.gg
Castle Nights in Guernsey Friday 16 July, Friday 23 July, Friday 30 July, Friday 6 August
Castle Nights are back for a series of four Friday evenings with free admission to the ancient Castle Cornet and a varied programme of musical entertainment. The evenings allow islanders and visitors alike to explore one of Guernsey's most famous historical sites whilst bringing along their picnics and enjoying some first class entertainment. www.visitguernsey.com
Sark Sheep Racing Saturday 17 – Sunday 18 July
An ever-popular two-day event: a day at the races, Sark fashion. Just like Ascot, even down to the hats, but here sheep are the stars rather than horses – which, complete with their teddy-bear jockeys, race over a set course! Unmissable fun for all the family! www.sark.info
Torteval Scarecrow Festival Saturday 7 – Sunday 8 August
This August the beautiful parish of Torteval, south west of Guernsey, will once again be taken over by a motley crew of scarecrows. Follow the trail and pick your favourite – they come in all shapes and sizes! – whilst taking in the natural beauty of the area. A great event for all the family that gets more and more popular every year. www.visitguernsey.com
For more information on visiting Guernsey please go to www.visitguernsey.com or call 01481 723 552
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