A summer of festivals and events in Jersey!
With its wild coastline, tranquil countryside and a fantastic selection of restaurants – along with plenty of historic and family-friendly attractions – Jersey is the perfect place to be in the summer.
As it’s festival and event season on the island, we’ve put together a calendar which gives details of some of the very best taking place throughout August and September, allowing you to plan your time accordingly!
Jersey Film Festival (3 – 8 August)
The Jersey Film Festival has now been running for 25 years and offers visitors and locals alike the chance to watch some classic, family-friendly films on a huge screen in the lovely Howard Davis Park – and all completely for free!
The festival attracts between 1,500 and 3,500 people to each screening, making it one of Jersey’s most popular community events; guests are welcome to bring along a picnic and roll out a rug before settling down for an evening of fantastic entertainment.
Jersey Battle of Flowers (8 – 9 August)
For over 100 years, the Battle of Flowers has been among the biggest, best and most loved events in Jersey. This unique spectacle sees an incredible array of floats proudly paraded through the island’s streets, their beautiful displays all made up of countless intricately-arranged flowers.
Weekender Festival (31 August – 1 September)
For many people, summer just wouldn’t be summer without going to a hedonistic music festival so anyone who puts themselves in this category will be delighted to learn that the huge Weekender event will be making a welcome return to Jersey at the end of August.
With five stages featuring performances by hundreds of talented local, UK and international artists (as well as all the usual fun and games you would expect to find at a proper summer festival), music lovers will be absolutely spoilt for choice across the weekend. The line-up for the 2019 event has yet to be finalised, but a few of the acts already confirmed include Clean Bandit, Lewis Capaldi and even a DJ set from the legendary Pat Sharp!
Walking Through Autumn Festival (11 – 15 September)
Jersey is arguably at its most stunning when summer ends and the leaves start to fall, which is why the local National Trust will this year be holding its second annual Walking Through Autumn festival.
More than just a series of walks through some of the loveliest spots on the island, this five-day event will also include plenty of exciting activities such as a tour of a working water mill and the chance to go foraging for edible plants on the beach.
Jersey International Air Display (12 September)
The Jersey International Air Display is so well-established and strongly anticipated that all local schools and shops close on the day so that everyone can look up to the skies and take in the spectacle of the many different planes that are on show – old and new, military and commercial – as they zoom past.
As well as flypasts by a wide and impressive range of aircraft hailing from all over the world, those who plan to attend the festival of flight will also be able to see Spitfires, Lancaster bombers and other legendary planes in situ at a special ‘Static Display’ event (usually held at Jersey Airport), where the pilots themselves will be on hand to tell you more about these magnificent machines.
Jersey Festival of Words (25 – 29 September)
The Jersey Festival of Words was launched in 2015 and has now become firmly established as a highlight of the UK’s literary events calendar. With exclusive readings and interviews being held across some of the island’s most famous and visually striking locations, it is no wonder that the festival attracts an ever-increasing number of visitors from the mainland – not to mention a stellar line-up of major authors and poets.
The Healthy Living Festival (12 – 15 September)
The Healthy Living Festival is a celebration of everything related to fitness, beauty, health and wellbeing.
Over 40 exhibitors covering everything from therapists and nutritionists to fitness and kitchen equipment will be at the Radisson Blu Hotel for 3 days to inspire your lifestyle.
Be pampered with demonstrations, workshops, samplings and tastings!
Super League Triathlon (27 – 29 September)
If you are a fan of endurance sports, whether watching or participating, you will want to make sure you are around for the Jersey-based leg of the exhilarating Super League Triathlon (SLT) series.
Founded as recently as 2017, SLT was created as a way of allowing some of the world’s finest athletes to compete and showcase their extraordinary talents in a handpicked selection of picturesque, spectator-friendly locations – so Jersey was an obvious choice!
What’s more, the pros don’t just have the course to themselves. If you think you have what it takes to mix it with the best runners, swimmers and cyclists around, why not sign up to race in the 2019 event yourself? There are various categories that may suit your age and ability, so check the league’s official website for info on how you can get involved closer to the time.
So, what are you waiting for? Get planning!