Press release to French media - 10 April 2026
Guernsey, Channel Islands – With its spectacular coastal scenery, rich heritage and deep-rooted island traditions, Guernsey offers a particularly dynamic programme of events throughout the summer. From May to autumn, visitors and locals alike can enjoy a varied calendar of festivals, open-air concerts, cultural celebrations and outdoor activities across the islands of Guernsey. Between gastronomic discoveries, music facing the sea and walks on the coastal paths, the season promises to be particularly lively.
Celebrating the island's history and heritage
One of the most important events in Guernsey's calendar is Liberation Day, celebrated every year on 9 May. This day commemorates the liberation of the island from German occupation at the end of the Second World War, in 1945. Official ceremonies, parades, concerts and events bring together locals and visitors in a solemn and festive atmosphere, especially in St Peter Port.
In the heart of summer, the island's rural traditions are honoured during Lé Viaër Marchi, on 6 July. This traditional market highlights Guernsey's agricultural heritage and ancient know-how. Craft demonstrations, local products, culinary specialties and family activities recreate the atmosphere of rural life in the past.
Music and entertainment by the sea
Throughout the summer season, Guernsey's coastline hosts a series of popular outdoor events.
Among them, the Cobo Balcony Gigs, held on several dates between May and August, are among the highlights of the summer. At these concerts, the best local and British bands perform from a balcony overlooking Cobo Bay, while the audience gathers on the promenade and on the beach to enjoy the music in a friendly atmosphere, often accompanied by a beautiful sunset.
The waterfront also comes alive with Seafront Sundays,, held between April and August. These festive events offer music, entertainment and a friendly atmosphere by the water. Two evening editions, called Seafront Saturdaze, are also planned for early July and mid-August, offering a night-time version of these summer events.
The historic site of Castle Cornet will once again host the KPMG Castle Nights every Friday evening in July. Within the walls of this emblematic fortress which dominates the port of St Peter Port, these evenings offer concerts and shows in an exceptional heritage setting.
From August 6 to 15, the castle will also become the setting for the Twilight Cinema, a series of open-air film screenings that allow you to enjoy an original cinema experience under the stars.
Discover the landscapes of the archipelago on foot
Guernsey's natural landscapes are one of the destination's great attractions, and hiking festivals offer a great way to explore them.
The Spring Walking Festival, held from May 23 to June 7, offers a program of guided hikes to discover the island's dramatic cliffs, coastal paths and rural landscapes.
On June 6, walkers can also take part in the Saffrey Rotary Walk, a friendly and supportive hike that invites participants to go around the entire island.
In the autumn, the Autumn Walking Festival, held from 12 to 27 September, will extend the experience with a new series of guided walks through the landscapes of Guernsey.
A celebration of local gastronomy
The season will conclude in the fall with The Big Eat, a food festival that is currently held throughout the month of April and will return in October.
This event honours local products and culinary creativity of the archipelago, bringing together chefs, producers and gastronomy lovers around tastings and culinary animations.
A lively summer to the rhythm of island life
Between cultural events, open-air concerts, nature experiences and gourmet events, Guernsey offers a rich and varied programme throughout the summer and until the autumn.
Whether it's to catch a concert by the sea, walk the coastal paths or discover local traditions, the island invites visitors to fully enjoy the unique experience of island life.
Practical information:
The islands of Guernsey are easy and quick to reach from France and the United Kingdom. By sea, Brittany Ferries provides regular connections between Saint-Malo and Guernsey, with crossings of about two hours, allowing you to reach the archipelago easily with or without a vehicle. By air, the local airline Aurigny Air Services also provides a direct link between Paris-Charles-de-Gaulle and Guernsey, with several flights per week and a journey time of about 1 hour and 20 minutes.
In addition, since 1 April 2026, Aurigny has enriched its offer between Paris Charles de Gaulle and Guernsey with the addition of a new weekly rotation, operated every Wednesday. This additional frequency will bring the number of return flights per week to three, alongside the routes already offered on Mondays and Fridays. It will offer more flexibility to French and international travellers, while facilitating connections via Paris CDG, one of Europe's leading air hubs connecting more than 300 destinations around the world. An additional asset to support the tourism dynamic and strengthen the accessibility of Guernsey.
From 23 April, travellers to Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man will have to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), similar to the one required for the United Kingdom. The application will be made online via the official portal or the dedicated app, with a cost set at £16 (with an increase to £20 planned soon), for a two-year validity and authorised stays of up to six months.
Press contact and more information
GroupExpression press contact: Margaux Gellerstedt & Camille Kratochvila at guernesey@groupexpression.fr
About Guernsey: With its historic fortifications, lush gardens and vibrant festivals, Guernsey is a pearl of the English Channel. This picturesque island is renowned for its natural beauty, historical heritage, and vibrant culture. History buffs can explore Victor Hugo's house and World War II bunkers, while nature lovers can wander the coastal paths and discover a variety of flora and fauna. For fans of itinerant trips, there is nothing like combining several islands and visiting Sark, Hermès, Alderney or Lihou.
See the original release in French here.
