Channel Islands join European celebration of 1,000 years since William the Conqueror's birth
- Guernsey and Jersey have officially joined the 'Millenium – 2027 European Year of the Normans' celebrating 1,000 years since William the Conqueror's birth
- The launch took place at the British Embassy in Paris with representatives from both bailiwicks and the Region of Normandy
- Over 40 projects are planned across the Channel Islands including exhibitions, festivals, concerts and educational events
- The celebration highlights the islands' Norman heritage dating back to when they were part of the Duchy of Normandy in 1066
- Events will showcase Norman law, customs, traditions, arts and the ongoing cultural ties between the Channel Islands and Normandy
The governments of Guernsey and Jersey have officially launched their participation in the 'Millenium – 2027 European Year of the Normans', marking 1,000 years since the birth of William the Conqueror.
The launch event took place on Thursday 26 March at the British Embassy in Paris, where Channel Islands representatives joined partners from the Region of Normandy to announce their involvement in the year-long European celebration.
Jersey was represented by Deputy Elaine Millar, Minister for Treasury and Resources, while Guernsey sent Deputy Steve Falla, member of the Policy & Resources Committee with responsibility for External Relations, and Deputy Paul Montague, President of the Committee for Education, Sport & Culture. Mrs Catherine Morin-Desailly, Senator and President of the Culture, Tourism, Heritage Commission at the Region of Normandy, was also in attendance.
The Paris event featured a theatrical retelling of the legends of the Dukes of Normandy and the Channel Islands by Jersey poet and storyteller The Story Beast, accompanied by music from folk-artist James Dumbelton.
The millennium celebration will see people from Britain, Ireland, the Channel Islands, Italy, Denmark, Norway, France and beyond participating in events celebrating the Norman heritage that has profoundly shaped the European continent. The initiative has been spearheaded by the Normandy Regional Council, which has maintained a special relationship with the Channel Islands through a Memorandum of Understanding first signed in 2015.
Since October 2024, the Channel Islands have been actively involved in workshops and meetings to help shape the programme, promoting their unique identity and heritage whilst strengthening bonds with Normandy. VisitGuernsey has been closely involved in developing plans for marking the event through product development, campaign planning and operator programming throughout 2027.
The Channel Islands' connection to this Norman heritage runs deep. They were part of the Duchy of Normandy when William invaded and became King of England in 1066, and these Norman roots remain visible today through the use of Norman law and in the customs and identity of the islands.
The level of interest in the 'Millenium' across the Channel Islands has been strong with over 40 projects planned across both bailiwicks. These will include exhibitions, conferences, talks and community events never seen before, alongside annual events specially themed for the celebration. Most events are expected to feature in the official programme to be launched by the Region of Normandy in Caen this July.
Deputy Steve Falla said: "Guernsey has strong cultural and historic ties with Normandy, stemming from our place in the Duchy of Normandy at the time of William the Conqueror and continuing to this day through our political relationship with our partners in the Region of Normandy. I was very pleased to lead the delegation of Guernsey political representatives who attended the launch event in Paris, alongside our partners in Jersey and Normandy, to promote our participation in this year-long celebration of Norman heritage. Through this event we will also continue to build and strengthen our relationships with wider European partners, which continues to be a priority for us."
Deputy Paul Montague commented: "Guernsey's participation in 'Millenium - 2027 European Year of the Normans' is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the island's deep-rooted connections with Normandy and wider Europe. Work has been progressing at pace over the past few months to coordinate and develop a strong programme of events for Guernsey throughout 2027, which have been put forward by our community to showcase the rich history, language and traditions of our island. We will continue to support these plans to enable Guernsey to fully showcase our unique part of the Norman story, and I look forward to announcing the full programme of events later this year."
Mrs Catherine Morin-Desailly said: "The Normandy Region is honoured by the enthusiasm and multiplicity of projects that the Channel Islands will propose for the Millennium 2027 - European Year of the Normans. This commitment underlines the proximity of our territories and our citizens. I look forward to sharing and celebrating our heritage together."
Among the proposed events for the Bailiwick of Guernsey, subject to confirmation, is the 2027 Alderney Week in August, which will be themed around the Year of the Normans and include live music, a cavalcade and torchlight procession.
Sark will host 'Île d'Argent: Sark's Norman Metal Festival' from 4th-6th June 2027, a Norman-themed metal music event drawing on the genre's engagement with history, mythology and medieval Europe. The weekend will feature Norman re-enactors presenting traditional crafts and everyday life, with schools invited to attend. The project will be delivered with Normandy partners, including the Fédération Française Médiévale.
The Victor Hugo Centre will present 'La Normandie Inconnue: Unknown Normandy' in collaboration with La Musée Victor Hugo - Maison Vacquerie in Villequier, Guernsey Museums and Jersey Heritage. This will celebrate shared Norman identity through excerpts from books, poems, photography and other artefacts relating to the Hugo family.
The National Trust of Guernsey will host a Courtyard Concert on 3rd July and Lé Viaër Marchi on 5th July 2027, featuring 'Lihou' at The Folk and Costume Museum alongside Normandy-based musicians focusing on traditional music, followed by their annual celebration of traditional food, crafts and Guernsey heritage.
Guernsey Arts will present 'Beyond Our Seas / Between Our Shores', a contemporary art programme including cultural exchange between Guernsey, Jersey and Normandy art network RN13BIS. This sensory exploration of the sea as both barrier and bridge will include artistic residencies, creations and exhibitions exploring shared seafaring heritage, plus youth workshops where young people will exchange letters about what it means to be Norman.
Guernsey Museum will host 'Meet The Normans', a major temporary exhibition in summer 2027 giving visitors the chance to step back in time and learn about the Normans between c.1035-1087, explaining what Guernsey was like at the time and the Norman legacy today.
The museum will also enhance its annual medieval Fete d'Etai in September 2027 with a community procession featuring imagery from the Bayeux Tapestry, music and costumes through St Peter Port, encouraging participation from schools, youth organisations, parishes and the wider community.
Throughout 2027, the Institute of Law Guernsey will deliver seminars discussing the influence of Norman customary law in the Bailiwick's jurisprudence. These will be presented by past and present advocates based on their experience of practising in the Bailiwick, with speakers' papers to be published to contribute to Guernsey's legal resources.
The year-long celebration represents an innovative and sustainable European cooperation project that will cement historical ties and create legacies for future partnership between the Channel Islands and their Norman neighbours.
Q&A
Q: What is the 'Millenium – 2027 European Year of the Normans' celebrating?
A: It marks 1,000 years since the birth of William the Conqueror and celebrates the Norman heritage that has profoundly shaped the European continent.
Q: How many events are planned across the Channel Islands for 2027?
A: Over 40 projects are planned across the islands, including exhibitions, conferences, talks, community events and themed annual celebrations.
Q: What is the historical connection between the Channel Islands and Normandy?
A: The Channel Islands were part of the Duchy of Normandy when William invaded and became King of England in 1066, and Norman roots are still visible today through Norman law and island customs.
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