From live music to food festivals, lawnmower racing and more, islanders looking for some fun this August will be spoilt for choice.
Since moving to Phase 5 of its Exit from Lockdown, Guernsey has had the green light for social gatherings, meaning Bailiwick residents can look forward to a busy event line-up this summer.
Jersey residents may have to wait a little longer, with gatherings still restricted to 40 people, at the time of publication. However, this could all change when the island’s Scientific and Technical Advisory Cell (STAC) meet on 3 August to decide whether to advise moving to Level 1 of Jersey’s Safe Exit Framework. So watch this space.
Whether you’re looking to dance like no one is watching, soak up some culture, or get stuck in to a family fun day out, lockdown will soon feel like a distant memory with these eight awesome August events.
Explore Local
When: Saturday 1 August
Where: St Peter Port Town centre
What: Celebrate all things local from home-grown fruit and veg to boutique retailers. There’ll be competitions, raffles, live music, and a scavenger hunt, plus the launch of the 2021 Street Festival. Find out more.
Alderney Week
When: 3-8 August
Where: Locations throughout Alderney
What: Though this year’s festival will be smaller in size, enthusiasm for Alderney’s biggest annual event is off the scale. An impressive new programme has been put together in a short space of time and which includes a cavalcade, torchlight procession, harbour festival and fireworks display. Read more.
Arts Sunday
When: Sunday 9 August
Where: Town seafront
What: Part of the Seafront Sundays series, Arts Sunday is when the seafront is transformed into a space for local arts and crafts producers, musicians and performers to showcase their talents. Browse the Arts Market, with its home-bakes, textiles and works from painters, graphic designers and illustrators.
#GuernseyTogether Retro 20 Festival
When: Saturday 14 – Sunday 16 August
Where: The Peninsula Hotel
What: Go back in time with this celebration of seventies culture with live music from bands including Mods ’n’ Rockers, The Recks and The Blondettes. There’s plenty of family fun to be had, plus a classic car show and overnight camping is available on site.
The Vintage Agricultural Show
When: Saturday 22 – Sunday 23 August
Where: Route des Paysans, St Peter’s
What: Ideal for tractor-loving kids and cider-swilling grown-ups, this two-day event offers sheep racing, local stalls, tractor displays, horse classes, a beer tent, meat draw, evening entertainment, plus an animal show.
Sark lawnmower hill climb and racing
When: Friday 28 August (hill climb), Saturday 29 August (racing)
Where: Sark
What: These adrenalin-fuelled lawn mower motorsports are a lot of fun to watch, whether you’re a spectator for the race up Harbour Hill, or watching the lap-racing. Petrol head or not, expect a great atmosphere.
Guernsey Together Celebration
When: Saturday 22 August
Where: Saumarez Park
What: Lions Club of Guernsey has organised this in place of the cancelled Donkey Derby. Expect a raft of live music, including Element Six and Buffalo Huddleston, plus stalls, games and a small catering village serving hot and cold food, a beer tent, hog roast, and gin bar.
Vale Earth Fair
When: Sunday 30 August
Where: Vale Castle
What: The Channel Islands’ longest-running music festival is back and has a great line-up of local talent, including The Risk, The Recks, Buffalo Huddleston, Clameur de Haro, and Tantale. Find out more.