Jersey children’s Day family event 2023

Jersey Children’s Day 2023 will be celebrated with a free family fun event on Sunday, 2nd July between 10am and 5pm at Howard Davis Park.

he event – which took place for the first time last year – will remain open to all families, and free to attend.

Around 6,000 people attended last year’s inaugural events at Millbrook and Howard Davis Park for a free day of entertainment, music, activities and art. More than 50 charities, organisations and businesses took part in the event.

Since 2020, Jersey Children’s Day has been held each year on – or close to – the 3rd July. This follows a recommendation by a Citizen’s Panel that was set up after the Independent Jersey Care Inquiry (IJCI).

The Panel called for 3rd July to be Jersey Children’s Day, to commemorate the date in 2017 that the IJCI published its report into Jersey’s care system over many decades. It is designed as a day to remember the failings of the past and look forward to the future.

The event on 2nd July will include:

• Live music from young people
• Free entertainment and activities throughout the day
• A community and charity hub for services that support children and families
• An art project by primary school children, in collaboration with ArtHouse Jersey
• More food and drink stalls

Community organisations, charities, and vendors are being invited to make the day a success by providing their services. Those who want to take part in the day can register their interest by completing an online survey.

Minister for Children and Education, Deputy Inna Gardiner, said: “I am thrilled to announce that we’ll once again be holding a free, inclusive, family event to celebrate Children’s Day. When I attended the event last year, I saw first-hand how successful it was, so I am very proud to be involved in delivering the event this year.

“We will once again be planning an inclusive day for all families, and I hope that Islanders will join us in making the day a success.”

Cheyenne O’ Connor, of the independent survivor’s group at Community Partnership Trust, said: “The Children’s Day Steering Group, which I’m a member of, have been working hard behind the scenes making plans for this year’s Children’s Day. We’re going to hold the event in one park this year and make sure that there are activities for all ages and families. If you would like to support the day or get involved please get in touch.”

If you are interested in providing catering, entertainment, or a community stall at the event, please complete this survey, or email jerseychildrensday@gov.je.