Adult Guernesiais classes open the 2026 Guernsey Eisteddfod this weekend.
They kick off more than two months of events “showcasing the arts at every level and fostering community”.
The Guernesiais classes are followed later this month by the French and Music sections, before the arts and crafts exhibitions open next month.
The Speech and Drama section also starts in March, before the Gala concert is held towards the end of the month.
The Roller Skating section closes the Eisteddfod in April.
The first session, the Guernesiais section, are being held on Saturday afternoon at Beau Sejour with Jurat David Robilliard MBE returning as the adjudicator.
Joy Liggett, Section Coordinator said 2026 is a rather special year for Guernsey’s native language, as it is not only the bicentenary of the birth of Denys Corbet, who wrote ‘Les Chànts du Drain Rimeux’ (‘Songs of the Last Rhymer’), but also commemorates a century since traditional Guernsey Dance was introduced to the Eisteddfod syllabus.
She said the team have ensured that at least a couple of classes feature works by Corbet and Guernsey Dancers will be performing during the interval.
She said it will be “a wonderful afternoon to showcase various aspects of our unique and beautiful heritage – language, dance, and food”.
People are encouraged to drop-in and take up the opportunity to listen to performances in Guernsey Norman-French especially as a synopsis in English is given prior to all classes.
Junior sessions will be held in the main theatre at Beau Sejour on March 9 from mid-day with Peter Le Messurier, BPhil, GRNCM, ARNCM making a return as the adjudicator.
Six primary schools including Sark School are competing and the Family Class features the youngest members of the Guernesias speaking community.
“This session increases in popularity every year – it is an absolute delight for all,” said Ms Liggett.