Channel Islands launch participation in 'Millenium - 2027 European Year of the Normans'

Monday 30 March 2026

On Thursday 26 March, the Governments of Guernsey and Jersey, in partnership with the Region of Normandy, joined forces at the British Embassy in Paris to launch their participation in the prestigious 'Millenium - 2027 European Year of the Normans', celebrating 1,000 years since the birth of William the Conqueror.

Jersey was represented by Deputy Elaine Millar, Minister for Treasury and Resources, together with the States of Guernsey represented by 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 event included a theatrical retelling of the legends of the Dukes of Normandy and the Channel Islands, by Jersey poet and storyteller The Story Beast, alongside music from folk-artist James Dumbelton.

The millennium of the birth of William the Conqueror in 2027 marks the beginning of a year of widespread celebrations of the "Normans, people of Europe," whose history has profoundly shaped the continent. In 2027, people from all backgrounds-British, Irish, Channel Islands, Italians, Danes, Norwegians, French, and beyond-will take part and share this exceptional heritage with its many facets and influences across various territories.

Initiated by the Normandy Regional Council, with which the Channel Islands have a special relationship through a Memorandum of Understanding first signed in 2015, this year-long event marks the start of an innovative and sustainable European cooperation project which will cement our historical ties and create legacies for future cooperation and partnership.

Since October 2024, the Channel Islands have been involved in workshops and meetings helping to shape the programme of this event with their Norman counterparts, promoting the islands' unique identity and heritage as well as a very special bond with Normandy. VisitGuernsey have been closely involved in the development of plans for marking the event in Guernsey, through product development, campaign planning and operator programming throughout 2027, and were in attendance at the reception to further promote Guernsey's involvement.

The Channel Islands are committed to deepening their European partnerships and celebrating this shared history. The Channel Islands were part of the Duchy of Normandy when William invaded and became King of England in 1066, and these Norman roots are still visible today through the use of Norman law, and in the customs and identity of the islands.

The level of interest and enthusiasm that the 'Millenium' has attracted in the Channel Islands has been unprecedented. Over 40 projects across the islands will be organised through never-seen-before exhibitions, conferences, talks and community events. Annual events will also be thematised especially for the 'Millenium'. Most of these events are expected to feature in the official programme of events which will be launched by the Region of Normandy region in Caen in July, putting the Channel Islands on the map alongside other European events.

Deputy Steve Falla, member of the Policy & Resources Committee with responsibility for External Relations, 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, President of the Committee for Education, Sports and Culture, said:

"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, Senator and President of the Culture, Tourism, Heritage Commission at the Region of Normandy, 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!"

Amongst many other projects currently being proposed, below is a selection of the Bailiwick of Guernsey's own suggested programme of events below (which are subject to confirmation):

Alderney Week

August 2027

The 2027 event will be themed around the Year of the Normans It will include multiple events over the week including live music, a cavalcade and a torchlight procession.

Île d'Argent: Sark's Norman Metal Festival

4th - 6th June 2027 (TBC)

Norman-themed metal music event, drawing on the genre's long engagement with history, mythology, seafaring cultures and medieval Europe. The weekend will feature Norman re-enactors presenting traditional crafts and everyday life. Schools will be invited to attend. The project will be delivered with Normandy partners, including the Fédération Française Médiévale.

Victor Hugo Centre: 'La Normandie Inconnue: Unknown Normandy'

2027

A collaboration between La Musée Victor Hugo - Maison Vacquerie in Villequier, the Victor Hugo Centre in Guernsey, Guernsey Museums and Jersey Heritage to celebrate our shared Norman identity through excerpts from books, poems, photography and other artefacts relating to the Hugo family.

The National Trust of Guernsey: Courtyard Concert and Lé Viaër Marchi

Concert: 3rd July & Lé Viaër Marchi: 5th July 2027

A concert with 'Lihou' at The Folk and Costume Museum and Normandy-based musicians focussing on traditional music. This will be followed by their annual event encompassing traditional food, crafts and a celebration of Guernsey heritage.

Guernsey Arts: 'Beyond Our Seas / Between Our Shores'

2027

A contemporary art programme including cultural exchange between Guernsey, Jersey and Normandy art network RN13BIS. It is a sensory exploration of the sea as both a barrier and bridge between Normandy and Guernsey, including artistic residencies, creations, and exhibitions exploring our shared seafaring and maritime heritage, as well as youth workshops, with young people exchanging letters about what it is to be Norman. The project will focus on connection between our regions and the presentation of contemporary art (including music, visual art, performance about the sea and shores) from each region.

Guernsey Museum: 'Meet The Normans' exhibition

Summer 2027

A major temporary exhibition giving visitors a chance to step back in time and be introduced to who the Normans were in c.1035 - 1087. It will explain what Guernsey was like at the time, the effect the Normans had on the island, and the Norman legacy today.

Guernsey Museum: Fete d'Etai & Community Procession

September 2027 (TBC)

An annual medieval festival including activities, crafts, music and re-enactments. The event will be enhanced for 2027 and will also include a community procession involving imagery from the Bayeux Tapestry, music and costumes through St Peter Port. Participation from school, youth organisations, the parishes and the community will be encouraged.

Institute of Law Guernsey: Seminars

Throughout 2027

A series of seminars which will discuss the influence of Norman customary law in the Bailiwick's jurisprudence. Seminars are to be delivered by advocates (past and present) based on their experience of practicing in the Bailiwick. The papers of the speakers will also be published to contribute to Guernsey's legal resources.