Guernsey will be joining Europe-wide celebration to mark the ‘European Year of the Normans’ in 2027.
That will be 1000 years since the birth of William the Conqueror, and to commemorate the milestone, the Normandy Regional Council has announced a year-long cultural programme spanning Normandy, the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands, Flanders, Southern Italy, Norway and Denmark.
Events are being planned to celebrate the profound impact of the Normans across Europe and explore their lasting influence on identity, innovation and cultural exchange.
Events will include art exhibitions, musical performances, festivals and trails, student exchanges, and educational and sporting activities.
VisitGuernsey is already working with Normandie Tourisme to ensure Guernsey is promoted as a destination within the programme.
Deputy Paul Montague, President of the Committee for Education, Sport & Culture, said there’s a lot to do over the next year to prepare.
“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. This initiative not only honours our shared past but also looks to the future; encouraging collaboration, creativity and cultural exchange.
“There will also be many opportunities for our schools to engage in these celebrations and make connections with schools in Normandy. I look forward to seeing our community come together to showcase the rich history, language and traditions that make Guernsey such a unique part of the Norman story.”
It’s hoped members of the public will get involved in the Millennium activities through community groups across the Bailiwick too.
Suggestions include incorporating both existing events and new initiatives with individuals, artists, schools, organisations, and community groups all invited to take part.
To get people started, and to share ideas, two workshops are being planned – on Wednesday 12 November and Thursday 13 November, both at Guernsey Museum
Helen Glencross, Head of Culture & Heritage Services, said: “We are delighted to be participating in ‘Millenium -2027 European Year of the Normans’ and look forward to both honouring our shared history and inspiring new connections for our island across Europe. Guernsey’s deep historical and cultural connections with Normandy make us a proud participant in the celebrations, and I encourage anyone interested to come along to one of our workshops to find out more.”
More information is available at gov.gg/yearofthenormans.