If you needed an excuse to wear your guernsey – this is it! Wear a Guernsey Day 2025 is here.
Paul Eldridge from Guernsey Woollens is hoping to see many people wearing their traditional knitwear this Thursday to help raise funds for Les Bourgs Hospice while also helping to promote the eponymous jumper.
The concept is very simple – if you own a guernsey, wear it on Thursday and make a donation to Les Bourgs.
Guernsey Woollens and Les Bourgs Hospice will both be in the Market, outside with a gazebo and inside by the new Information Centre, accepting donations and taking photos of people taking part.
The event includes a focus on other traditional Guernsey items, with bean jar from Mint 56, Gâche Mélée made by G&M Produce, Guernsey Seaweed, Rocquettes Cider, and Wheadon’s Gin all present, and more.
There’ll also be a photo competition with prizes across categories including ‘Salty Sea Dog’, ‘Largest Group’, and ‘Best Accessory’.
The focal point of the day is the Guernsey Information Centre in the Market, with donations accepted between 10:00 and 16:00 on Thursday 13 November.
Mr Eldridge said people take part across the world too, wearing their guernseys wherever they are.
Anyone who wishes to donate from abroad can use the link HERE.
A guernsey
A ‘guernsey’ is a knitted jumper that has been traditionally made in Guernsey since the early 1800s.
It was originally worn by fishermen due to its resilience, but more recently it has been worn as a fashion item by many.
Traditionally, fishermen’s wives would knit jumpers for their families with patterns included so the fisherman could be identified in the event of a tragedy at sea.
Guernseys are hand finished with that skill passed on through generations.
Guernseys can be bought from Guernsey Woollens and Le Tricoteur.