Big Geekend returns to Guernsey Museum alongside week of wellbeing events
- The Big Geekend returns to Guernsey Museum on 30-31 May after a four-year break, featuring activities ranging from fossils and archaeology to K-Pop cosplay and Bridgerton crafts
- Visitors in full costume receive free admission, with attractions including a karting competition, puppets, fantasy encampment and living history displays
- Well-Geeking Week runs 25-29 May during half term, offering wellbeing-focused activities including photography walks, Japanese tea ceremony and guided nature walks
- Adult admission costs £7, with reduced rates for students and children aged 7-17, and free entry for under-sevens and Discovery Pass holders
- Most Well-Geeking Week events are free but require advance booking via Eventbrite due to limited capacity
A two-day celebration of quirky collections and interests will return to Guernsey Museum at Candie on Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 May, alongside a week-long programme of wellbeing activities.
The Big Geekend, last held in 2022, is being brought back by popular demand and will feature a wide range of activities celebrating shared interests and hobbies, from fossils and archaeology to Sherlock Holmes, K-Pop cosplay and hands-on crafts.
In the week leading up to the event, the museum will host Well-Geeking Week from Monday 25 to Friday 29 May, with events designed to help visitors connect with nature and support wellbeing through art and culture.
Miffy Lane, access and learning manager for Guernsey Museums, said: "We're so happy to welcome back The Big Geekend after having a break for a few years. We invite you to bring an open mind to new interests and you never know what you might learn or discover.
"Whether you love Bridgerton, model building, toy trains, gaming, cosplay or history, The Big Geekend promises a weekend packed with creativity, discovery and fun for all ages."
Visitors to The Big Geekend can enjoy a packed programme of themed trails, creative workshops, performances and interactive activities throughout the museum and grounds. Families and enthusiasts will be able to meet collectors, makers, artists and performers who are passionate about their interests.
Gaming fans can take part in a karting competition in the lecture theatre, where visitors can challenge the 'Karting King' and create their own racing crown. Younger visitors can follow themed trails around the museum and enjoy a family-friendly film screening.
Artist James Kitts will return with his popular puppets, whilst Tol Galen will transform the Priaulx Library Lawn into a fantasy encampment, complete with 'pillow fight' swordplay activities for children.
Outside, visitors can explore living history displays from the Guernsey Military History Company, meet archaeologists in the archaeology tent and discover Regency-inspired fashion and crafts, including the chance to create a headband inspired by the world of Bridgerton.
Fancy dress and cosplay are encouraged, with visitors who attend in full costume receiving free admission.
Some attractions will take place across both days, whilst others are scheduled at specific times. Visitors are encouraged to check the timetable in advance if attending for a particular activity. A full programme will be available on the museum website ahead of the event.
Normal admission applies: £7 for adults, £2 for students and children aged seven to 17. Entry is free for children under seven, Discovery Pass holders and visitors in full costume.
Well-Geeking Week will run during the May half term and features a range of activities designed for curious minds. The programme complements the current Lost in Nature exhibition.
On Monday 25 May, the bank holiday, Helen Glencross, photographer and head of heritage services, will lead a guided photography walk through Candie Gardens from 14:30 to 15:30. The relaxed session offers visitors the chance to slow down and capture the beauty of the gardens through photography. The walk is free but booking is required via Eventbrite, with numbers limited to 20 people. Participants should bring their own camera and meet by the statue of Queen Victoria.
On Tuesday 26 May, visitors can experience a demonstration of traditional Japanese tea ceremony (Chado) with Mayuno Shimada, who will be joining fresh from demonstrating in the Japanese Tea Garden at Chelsea Flower Show. In Japan, the 'Way of Tea' is a philosophy of peace, hospitality, appreciation and living in harmony with nature. The ceremony runs from 11:00 to 11:30 and entry is free with a Discovery Pass or standard museum entry. Numbers are limited to 16 people and booking via Eventbrite is required.
Families are also welcome to attend a "Cherry Blossom" picnic in Candie Gardens from 11:30 to 14:00, complete with storytelling, colouring and Japanese calligraphy, in partnership with Gyokubai Studio. The drop-in session is free and no booking is required. Visitors should bring their own picnic and rug.
On Wednesday 27 May, visitors can enjoy trails and craft activities linked to the Lost in Nature exhibition throughout the day, as well as embarking on the self-led Candie Gardens Wellbeing Walk. Guides can be collected from the museum front desk. The activities run all day and are free with a Discovery Pass or standard museum entry. No booking is required.
On Thursday 28 May, the museum will host an after-hours sketching session in the Lost in Nature exhibition from 18:00 to 20:00. The relaxed session is free with a Discovery Pass or standard museum entry, with numbers limited to 16 people. Booking via Eventbrite is required. Visitors can bring their own art supplies or use materials provided.
On Friday 29 May, Guernsey Trees for Life will lead a guided wellbeing walk through Candie Gardens from 17:30 to 18:30. The relaxed, informative session offers an opportunity to unwind, connect with nature and learn more about the gardens, the trees and their medicinal properties. The walk is free but booking is required via Eventbrite, with numbers limited to 20 people. Participants should meet by the statue of Queen Victoria. Visitors using wheelchairs or pushchairs should be aware that the gardens include some steep paths.
Q&A
Q: When is The Big Geekend taking place?
A: The Big Geekend will take place across Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 May 2026 at Guernsey Museum at Candie.
Q: How much does admission to The Big Geekend cost?
A: Adult admission costs £7, students and children aged 7-17 pay £2, whilst children under seven, Discovery Pass holders and visitors in full costume receive free entry.
Q: What is Well-Geeking Week?
A: Well-Geeking Week is a programme of wellbeing-focused events running from Monday 25 to Friday 29 May, designed to help visitors connect with nature and support wellbeing through art and culture, complementing the Lost in Nature exhibition.
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