Jersey Events in 2019

The Barclays Jersey Boat Show gets the boating season off to a great start. This three-day show takes place right in the maritime heart of St Helier. Featuring power and sail, side by side, it also offers the best of Jersey – history, food, drink and entertainment. Live performers on the main stage provide a buzzing atmosphere as visitors gain access to stunning five-star luxury vessels.

www.jerseyboatshow.com

The Liberation International Music Festival runs over the Liberation celebration period in May and will explore artistic freedom and the power of music to liberate the spirit in venues across the island. Enjoy performances in stunning locations and join in as we celebrate our island’s proud history.

www.liberationjersey.com

The 9th May is Liberation Day, considered as Jersey’s national day and is celebrated annually with bands, parades, services, singing and dancing. A service to mark the 74th anniversary will be held in Liberation Square will include a re-enactment of the act of Liberation, the arrival of the Liberating Forces and the successive flying of flags, a uniformed march-past and a drive-past by old civilian and military motor vehicles.

www.jersey.com   

The Siam Cup is the second oldest rugby trophy in the world (2nd to the Calcutta cup) and its existence is steeped with an interesting and chequered history. It is the annual challenge trophy played for between Jersey Rugby Football Club and Guernsey Rugby Football Club at the end of the season, and this year, it will be taking place in Jersey.

www.jerseyreds.je

The event includes the 13K race from St Helier to Jersey Zoo, as well as is the Superhero Stroll, an interactive lap of the park for all children under the age of 16 years. After the races, Jersey Zoo will be open for a wild day out when everyone is invited to head back to nature and engage in their wild side! A day of activities, food and entertainment for the family, and whilst you are there, you get the chance to learn about the superhero animals that live in the park and find out about some of the fascinating worldwide conservation work that Durrell do.

www.doitfordurrell.com

A celebration of the natural environment, habitats and landscapes managed by the National Trust for Jersey. The Love Nature festival includes bat walks and tours, bug safaris, pond dipping, the opening of the orchid fields, rock pool rambles, environmental films, walks around St Ouen’s pond and Grouville Marsh, forest bathing and bird tours. The festival centres in and around St. Ouen’s Bay, Grouville Marsh and Victoria Tower. Most activities can take up to 100 people.

www.nationaltrust.je

The ‘British Cup’ will be taking place at The Watersplash 25-26 May. This event is styled on the current ISA (International Surfing Association) Surfing Games format where there is equal men and women competing for titles along with the Team Trophy.

The event will host the best in British shortboard surfing with surfers competing for GB Team places who will then be selected (along with other results) for the Olympic qualifier in Japan later in the year.

Since 2009, Sunshine the little music festival has continued to find a way to bring visiting artists to Jersey to share the stage with local performers and DJ’s, in what has become known as one of the best events on the local calendar. Sunshine is a boutique celebration of live music, a chance for the dedicated few to witness true artists up and close and personal.

Steep winding hills and straights beside the long beaches provide the perfect combination for a motoring festival, and Jersey has it all. The RUBiS Jersey International Motoring Festival is the largest annual motoring event in the Channel Islands, with competitive sprint and hill climbs for classic and vintage cars and motorcycles, a touring event for visitors and locals alike visiting various places of interest and stopping for refreshments around the island.

www.jimf.je

The Vistra / Bloodwise Jersey Kids’ Triathlon takes place to raise valuable funds for the Bloodwise (formerly Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research) charity, through participation in a fun kid’s triathlon event. Now in its seventh year, and the event is open to all children of all abilities aged between 6 to 13 (School Years 2-8). Every participant will receive a complimentary event t-shirt, medal and goody bag full of surprises. On the day there will be entertainment, food and drink, and a prize-giving ceremony.

www.jerseykidstriathlon.com

The Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management Jersey Half Marathon is a scenic, fast point to point road race which attracted around 800 entries in 2018. The course can be run as an individual or as four person team (each team member must complete the half marathon), alternatively run the two person relay with each runner running approximately 10km. Prizes are on offer for the top three runners in each age group.

www.runjersey.co.uk

Enjoy live music in the beautiful setting of the natural amphitheatre at Grantez overlooking St. Ouen’s Bay. Bring a picnic and enjoy fantastic live music as the sun sets. In 2019, Friday night sees UK band Choo Choo Ch’Boogie – Choo Choo Ch’Boogie are a swinging, New Orleans jazz 6-piece band. On Saturday international vocalist Jessica Lloyd will perform… The ultimate way to experience the delights of Jersey during a summers evening!

www.nationaltrust.je

The 29th annual Around the Island Walk, sponsored by State Street, is one of the island’s largest fundraising events. The tough and hard walk is a stark contrast with the beauty of the route that passes along Jersey’s beautiful coastline, sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs and stunning countryside. The event is split into three categories; the main walk around the whole island, a relay, and a 13 mile walk ideal for those with young families, or less of an appetite to conquer all 48.1 miles at once.

www.islandwalk.je

This impressive red carpet black tie gala dinner shines an international spotlight on the local tourism economy, food and travel, arts and culture and style from our special island. The award ceremony honours, nurtures and recognises local businesses, people and places as well as international taste-makers.

www.jerseystyleawards.com

The Accuro Jersey Triathlon is the most Southerly triathlon of the British Isles and is one of the most exciting, challenging and picturesque courses in Britain. The Accuro Jersey Triathlon is made up of three distances; Standard, Jersey Sprint and Super Sprint. All swim disciplines take place in St Aubin’s Bay, the cycle for Standard and Jersey Sprint distance is a challenging 40km course that heads out west on the island, and finally the run course takes place for all distances around Elizabeth Marina and Waterfront.

www.jersey-triathlon.com

The clue to the challenge is in the title! Participants, individuals, families or corporate groups, aim to swim in 30 bays around the island in the month of July. Those taking part can choose to swim lunchtimes, daytime, before a picnic tea, by moonlight… basically anytime they can fit a swim in! There will be public swims at the start and end of the challenge, on Sunday 30 June and Sunday 04 August, in St Brelade’s Bay. All proceeds raised over the month being split between Jersey Hospice Care and the National Trust for Jersey.

www.nationaltrust.je

After a successful launch in 2018 bringing various artists to the island including Sub Focus and Danny Howard, Val de la Mare will again be completely transformed for the craziest day out of the summer. Featuring two immersive stages with world class line-ups of some of the freshest DJs walking the planet right now, your curiosity will be taken over by the secrets offered only by OUT>THERE.

Le French Festival celebrates Jersey’s links with France, and gathers all lovers of this special relationship around a rich entertaining programme. It will comprise a very interesting series of events including art exhibitions, a Norman market, the Tour des Ports de la Manche sailing race and a Bastille Day celebration. The event is co-organised by Maison de la Normandie et de la Manche, the Alliance Française de Jersey and The States of Jersey Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture Department.

www.afjersey.com and www.maisondenormandie.com/en/ 

The Tour des Ports de la Manche is a regatta held every year in July, linking ports in the Manche and the Channel Islands: Granville, Barneville-Carteret, Jersey, Dielette, Cherbourg and Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue. Each town hosting the race puts on a great welcome and party for the arriving crews. There is always a great atmosphere after each day’s race… There’s the chance to swap stories of adventures on the high seas and meet old and new friends!

tourdesports50.fr/en/

Reasons Festival is set to return in 2019, and promises to bring with it the biggest line-up yet. With stages dedicated to genres in the beautiful surroundings of Coronation Park, Reasons has an eclectic list of acts for a weekend of some of the most exciting live artists, having previously hosted huge names such as Goldie, Roni Size as well as Sasha who defined the superstar DJ era.

The most prestigious race of the Channel Islands Season – The Jersey Derby – is the feature race of the season on this always popular late July card. Set in the picturesque coastal area of Grosnez in the north-west corner of the island you can enjoy the most beautiful uninterrupted views over the historic ruins of Grosnez Castle and the neighboring islands whilst seeing some of the very best horses in the Channel Islands race for the most important prize of the year. You will find a public bar, various food outlets and plenty of room if you wish to bring a picnic.

jerseyraceclub.com

Howard Davis Park will once again host the Jersey Film Festival, with visitors being invited to bring a picnic and a rug to enjoy their favourite films under the stars. There will be nightly shows, all with free admission. A fantastic community atmosphere makes this an enjoyable evening of entertainment for all the family.

www.jerseyfilmfestival.com  

Enjoy the spectacle of flower festooned floats, musicians, dancers and entertainers providing a tremendous atmosphere in the Grand Day Parade. First staged in 1902 in celebration of a Royal Coronation, The Jersey Battle of Flowers has grown over the past century to become one of the largest floral carnivals in Europe, and is without doubt, a major highlight in Jersey’s calendar of festivals and events.

www.battleofflowers.com

The Battle of Flowers carnival atmosphere continues during the Moonlight Parade, featuring once again many of the parade floats and entertainment. The floats, which are festooned with thousands of illuminated lights, offer a totally different experience and magical atmosphere. One of the most popular night time events in Jersey, the floral extravaganza concludes with spectacular fireworks and aeronautical displays (weather permitting).

www.battleofflowers.com

The most glamorous day of the season and definitely one for the diary, along with a spectacular card, there will be competitions
throughout the day for best dressed person and best hat. This is a super fun meeting, not to be missed.

Held every two years in the very centre of St Helier town, this is the biggest and best street party held in Jersey! Halkett Place will be transformed into a scene from The Wild West as the Halkett Hoedown returns for its fourth edition with live music, western themed games and line dancing… Fantastic family fun, a celebration of live music and fabulous food. Wild West fancy dress is highly recommended and should help to get you in the mood with prizes for the best outfits. Western activities will be plenty with line dancing, face-painting or caricatures to name only a few.

www.halketthoedown.com

The Weekender Festival offers a full two-day diverse programme of arts that will immerse revellers within a fantastic festival experience. Witness global music artists and local acts over various music stages, coupled with gourmet food and drink, through daytime to evening and into the night.

www.weekenderjersey.com

In 2018 over 200 people took on the inaugural challenge and either swam, canoe/kayaked, rowed, SUP’ed or ran around the stunning island of Jersey. In doing so they not only took on a massive challenge but also took on one of the highest tidal ranges in the world. So impressive is the challenge that Red Bull UK listed the event as one of the top 11 extreme UK fitness challenges in 2016.

www.jerseyroundislandchallenge.com

2019 will be Breca’s fourth year in Jersey, taking participants across the islands spectacular cliff paths, beaches, through bays and woodlands, hidden valleys and past coastal fortifications. Teams will battle against Jersey’s 40-foot tides – some of the highest in the world – resulting in an ever-changing course and a unique challenge in the world of swimrun.

www.brecaswimrun.co.uk/jersey-swimrun-overview

A walking festival taking in the sites and properties of the National Trust for Jersey – including ‘behind the scenes’ activities such as afternoon tea in walled gardens, a peep inside a working water mill, low water foraging and loads more…

www.nationaltrust.je

The skies above Jersey have enjoyed an annual air display for over 60 years, delighting and attracting many tens of thousands of local residents and visitors to see one of the most eagerly anticipated events in Jersey’s summer programme of activities. The event centres around the wide curve of St Aubin’s Bay on Jersey’s south coast, close to St Helier when a fantastic array of modern and vintage military and international aircraft show-off with breathtaking displays. Arguably one of the finest free air shows in Europe; it is a must-see event.

www.jerseyairdisplay.org.uk

Celebrating all that is best in wellbeing and lifestyle. Over 40 exhibitors from the UK and Jersey, including readers, therapists, healthy products and services, nutrition and fitness. Come and be pampered, and learn more about how you can lead a healthier lifestyle.

www.barnespublishing.com/events.html

Jersey Beer and Cider Festival at People’s Park will see up to 60 different craft beers and ales from the UK – from small craft beer brewers to the big ones! There will also be a range of cider. For those of you who don’t like beer or cider, don’t worry, there will be wine, gin and Prosecco bars too!

www.facebook.com/events/212767092625757/

2019 will see the 20th Jersey Regatta, comprising three days of keen racing for sport boats, cruiser/racer, day boats, dinghies and sport catamaran classes. With a regular fleet of well over 100 boats racing and several hundred people on the water, the clubs are sure to be buzzing in St.Helier!

www.jerseyregatta.com

Jersey Festival of Words is a five-day literary festival, now in its fifth year, with an array of events in some of the island’s impressive venues. The event has been privileged to host some fantastic authors, including Richard Dawkins, Jeremy Paxman, Clare Balding, Michael Morpurgo, Joanna Trollope, Deliciously Ella, Victoria Hislop, Peter James and Lemn Sissay, amongst many others.

www.jerseyfestivalofwords.org

Celebrating the sea, community and environment in the stunning St. Ouen’s Bay, in the Jersey National Park – the festival will include film, exhibitions, live music, competitions and nature walks – all with the aim of raising awareness of mental-health and environmental issues.

www.jerseysurffilmfestival.com

Many of the National Trust’s properties will be open over the course of the weekend. Heritage Open Day offers the wonderful opportunity to explore and enjoy some of the island’s finest historic buildings. Special events and activities will be organised at the key sites.

www.nationaltrust.je

The Channel Islands’ most successful and beloved fixed-price food festival! For six weeks from the beginning of October, local restaurants are encouraged to create special, all-inclusive menus that provide diners with more at a fixed amount. The initiative gives restaurateurs a platform from which to promote their businesses and restaurant goers access to the finest food the islands have to offer at affordable prices. Menus start at £10 with £12.50, £15.00, £17.50 and now £20 options. The festival provides the perfect reason to visit in October and November to sample the best of Jersey’s vibrant food scene.

www.tennerfest.com

The Standard Chartered Jersey Marathon is an established niche marathon. The race, which is split into three categories, Marathon, Relay Race and 3K Fun Run, has attracted over 2,500 entrants with over 60% of marathon runners coming from off the island. With a professional yet friendly atmosphere, the event welcomes a variety of runner types, elite athletes compete for prize money and times, while corporate teams vie for the prestige of winning the trophy and many others compete to do something truly amazing for the benefit of others. Why not make this marathon your first?

www.jersey-marathon.com

This year’s Jersey Rally, sponsored by Roberts Garage, is tipped to be the best yet! Watch as rally cars race their way through the island’s lanes. The event runs over two days, with stages on Friday afternoon and evening, followed stages on Saturday morning and afternoon. As the number of entries has grown, so has the scale of the event: 170 drivers and navigators, at least the same number of support crew, around 300 marshals, 100 or so officials and scores of spectators.

www.jerseymotorsport.com

Join the National Trust for Jersey as they make this delicious local delicacy from the island’s apple harvest. Peel the apples, stir the pot and learn about the history and tradition of Black Butter making in Jersey and how it can be used with different foods today. Enjoy a traditional ‘Genuine Jersey’ market on the Saturday with pumpkin carving for the children.

www.nationaltrust.je  

Join volunteers and course apple and cider experts at this cider making festival. It’s not all about the cider – live music, creative activities for children, dance, great food, great company, competitions, poetry, Genuine Jersey stalls and living history. Lots to do, things to learn, people to meet and fun to be had!

www.jerseyheritage.org  

This Halloween, explore Jersey Zoo after dark to find out which ghosts and ghouls visit the grounds after the animals have gone to sleep! Enjoy a range of spooktacular crafts and activities. Meander the Trick or Treat Trail spied by nocturnal eyes. Eat, drink and be scary at Café Firefly or Café Dodo – Bone Appetite! Come in your scariest fancy dress and let your little monsters loose at these freaky, yet family-friendly events.

The St. Helier Christmas light switch on, heralds the start of La Fête dé Noué, a series of events and activities celebrating Christmas. Shop under the twinkling lights with late night shopping, amidst the festive windows, as shops compete in the Christmas window competition. Feast on your senses at the French and Genuine Jersey markets. Festive music brings Christmas cheer in concerts around the island and, of course, there is the Christmas Panto.

www.jersey.com/events

Step back in time and experience 16 New Street transformed for the festive season with boughs of holly, candles and traditional decorations. Admire the magnificent Christmas tree in the Victorian Club Room, visit the children’s nursery up in the attic and meet Louisa, the resident cook, who will be preparing some special festive treats for visitors to taste in the Georgian Kitchen.

www.nationaltrust.je

The ice-skating rink will return to Queen’s Hall at Fort Regent. Come and skate at Jersey’s fabulous indoor ice rink, whether you are a complete beginner or accomplished skater you will enjoy the atmosphere skating to the latest sounds and impressive light show. The rink will have a dedicated children’s/coaching area with penguin skate aids for the youngsters. A professional coach will be on hand if you wish to further your skills. The ice rink will be a part of the Fort’s larger festive event so there will be lots happening ‘under the dome’! 

www.iceskatejersey.co.uk

The Christmas Day Swims are always very popular! Head down to Ouaisne Slip on Christmas morning for an early dip before your festivities begin or to The Watersplash, ready to go in at 11.00 for three minutes in the sea. The events raise money for Jersey Hospice Care and other local charities. Warm refreshments will be served afterwards a reward for your bravery! For all updates and weather information, please check the Jersey Surfboard Club Facebook Page.