VisitGuernsey is gearing up for the beginning of its tourism season with a number of great events coming up... This year Guernsey launches a new Literary Festival (12-15 May), showcasing the rich literary talent and tradition that has been the island’s best kept secret for so long. Guernsey has inspired writers as diverse as Victor Hugo, GB Edwards, Tim Binding, Mervyn Peake, Elizabeth George, James Herbert and, of course, the international bestseller "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows.
The festival will demonstrate the best that the island has to offer through literary events, performances, themed walks, a murder mystery, workshops and talks for people of all ages and there will be a chance to meet writers such as Annie Barrows and Tim Binding. English speaking, Guernsey has its own Norman – French dialect and its easygoing charm belies a darker history of strange monoliths, witch burning and Nazi occupation. French place names and a unique culture make it feel very different to the UK but the truth is, it’s just an hour away by plane from the UK. For more information on the please visit Literary Festival
Highlights on Guernsey's 2011 event calendar include:
Guernsey Spring Floral Festival Week
Saturday 9 – Sunday 17 April
Guernsey may only measure 25 square miles but it is bursting with natural beauty. Discover its spectacular floral wealth in the first of three Floral Festival Weeks. Walks, talks and lectures are all available in this Spring Week, when wildflowers are at their best and filling the hedges and fields.
http://www.floralguernsey.gg/
Easter Festival of Living History
Friday 22 – Monday 25 April
Steeped in history, Castle Cornet comes to life with the aid of the Guernsey History in Action Company. Costumed performers retell the stories from Guernsey’s turbulent past and wonderfully rich heritage. There is something for all the family and visitors can return each day during the weekend.
www.museum.guernsey.net
Guernsey Spring Walking Festival
Saturday 7 – Sunday 15 May
Explore the coast, trek along cliff paths, discover the town of St Peter Port, or learn about some of the lesser known parishes. Taking between two hours and half a day, walks are categorised to suit all abilities, with the expert guides on hand to tell the tales of the island’s fascinating history, culture and people.
www.visitguernsey.com
Liberation Day
Monday 9 May
This historic day marks the anniversary of liberation from the occupying German forces in 1945. The colour and pageantry of the Liberation Celebrations Cavalcade will be an integral part of the celebrations, while the Liberation Firework Extravaganza will bring the day to a spectacular conclusion.
www.visitguernsey.com
NEW Guernsey Literary Festival 2011
Thursday 12 – Sunday 15 May
The Guernsey Arts Commission is preparing to launch the island’s first ever Literary Festival. There will be a host of acclaimed writers such as Annie Burrows of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society fame. This will be a landmark event for Guernsey; a celebration of the island’s best kept secret: a rich tradition of literature, folklore and history.
http://www.arts.gg/index.php/guernsey-literary-festival/
Guernsey Photography Festival
Wednesday 1 – Wednesday 30 June
Returning to Guernsey after its successful launch last year, the Festival is comprised of indoor and outdoor exhibitions featuring work by world-renowned photographers, multitude of community activities, competitions, workshops, talks and seminars.
www.guernseyphotographyfestival.com
Guernsey Festival of Comedy
Friday 3 – Saturday 11 June
Go and have a laugh: nine days of laughter in Guernsey! Celebrating its 5th year, the Guernsey Festival of Comedy features visiting international comedians, comedy club nights, classic film comedy, as well as shows from the Edinburgh Festival.
www.happyguernsey.com
Guernsey Summer Floral Festival Week
Saturday 9 - Sunday 17 July
Guernsey’s mild climate means that flowers and plants arrive earlier than in the UK, with even exotic sub-tropical plants flourishing on the island. The second Floral Festival of the year finds Guernsey in full bloom, celebrating its natural beauty. From walks to talks and from lectures to workshops, if you love gardens there will be something for you.
www.floralguernsey.gg
Sark Sheep Racing
Friday 22 – Sunday 24 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
30-31 July
This July 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
Guernsey Autumn Walking Festival
Saturday 3 – Sunday 11 September
Discover hidden paths and tracks and learn all about the history of Guernsey with the help of accredited guides. Victor Hugo Trail for the hikers, St Peter Port Trail to visit the capital, Ruettes Tranquilles to see granite farmhouses and ancient churches, nature trails and coastal walks to experience Guernsey’s rugged coast line…
www.visitguernsey.com
Guernsey Autumn Floral Festival Week
Sunday 25 September – Sunday 2 October
Guernsey has a rich floral heritage and a passion for all things horticultural. As the summer draws to an end and the autumn colours creep in, explore the wonderful shades of Guernsey and enjoy its natural beauty – tours around various open gardens, walks, lectures and workshops will be on offer.
www.floralguernsey.gg
Tennerfest
Saturday 1 October – Saturday 12 November
For the 14th consecutive year, starting from the 1st October, Guernsey can look forward to six weeks of great meals at fixed prices. Starting from £10, diners are guaranteed to find outstanding menus and meals created from the wealth of local produce. Highlighting the diversity and choice of food available, there are cafés, bistros, gastro pubs, seafood restaurants, Italian, Indian and Chinese restaurants, as well as the more traditional hotel restaurants.
www.tennerfest.com
For more information on visiting Guernsey please go to www.visitguernsey.com or call 01481 723 552
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