From flower festivals, foodie events, community ties, week-long carnivals, and film fests to agricultural shows, literary and arts and crafts, and a real ale festival, there’s always something going on somewhere in the Channel Islands. One of the all-time favorites is Alderney Week, the biggest carnival event and the International Air Display, which attracts visitors from across Europe. The Battle of the Flowers is another Channel Islands holiday not to be missed for horticulture lovers.
Channel Island Festival of Food and Drink
Foodies will love this gourmet extravaganza, held every May featuring celebrity chefs, tastings and demonstrations of fine foods and craft ales. The islands’ most famous restaurants participate by tempting visitors with special menus and other delights.
Jersey Festival of Motoring
For fans of everything on four wheels, this June Channel Islands event is a must. Its exhibitions of classic and vintage cars and competitive hill-climbs and sprints attract motoring enthusiasts from across the islands.
La Fete de Musique de Ville
Held at the end of July in St Peter Port, Guernsey, this week-long carnival offers street performers, lots of live music, and activities for all the family. Events center around the town’s high street and market square.
Alderney Week
Non-stop fun, novelty races, live music, parades, and a Gala Night are all part of the week-long Alderney Carnival, held every year in the Channel Islands in August. From start to finish, it’s a magic street party drawing thousands of visitors to its festivities.
Battle of the Flowers
August’s Battle of the Flowers in Jersey is one of the most famous events on the islands for its grand parade of magnificent floats covered in fresh flowers. The floats compete for prizes, titles and glory. There are two routes, one in the afternoon and the Moonlight Parade.
The West Show
The islands’ agricultural and horticultural traditions are on show every August at Guernsey’s L’Eree Old Aerodrome, with added attractions such as fairground rides, competitions, live music, traditional foods, craft ales, local people in costume, and much more.
International Air Display
Every September, the skies above Jersey’s St Aubin’s bay come alive with civilian and military aircraft in formation and breathtaking aerobatics displays, at one of Europe’s largest air shows. The finale features the famous Red Arrows.
CAMRA Jersey Beer and Cider Festival
Also held in September, this Channel Islands event is not to be missed for lovers of craft beer. Held in St Helier’s Peoples’ Park, it brings together at least 100 different local ales, beers, and ciders in the biggest party on the island.
Fete de Noue
December’s Fete de Noue is part of the Christmas festive season on Jersey. Beginning December 1 with a lantern and floral parade through St Helier and street entertainment, Christmas here is a delight, with street musicians, carol concerts, brass bands, traditional markets, and al-fresco food stalls.