Islanders have lots of entertainment to choose from this long weekend and throughout May half-term – from French fancies to dinosaurs, motorbikes and much more…
Every weekend, Express presents a selection of exhibitions, performances, workshops, events and other historic, creative and delicious content to help islanders get their weekly dose of culture.
Here’s this week’s offering…
Dinosaurs at Durrell
Durrell is preparing for a roar-some take over this week as dinosaurs come to Jersey Zoo.
From Saturday 24 to Friday 30 May, zoo visitors will come face-to-face with prehistoric giants.
Guests will also have the opportunity to attend Durrell’s ranger academy to learn more about the diverse group of reptiles that once dominated our planet.
The experience comes free with standard zoo entry.
You can find out more here.
Norman market
The Norman Market is back in St Helier this week for the bank holiday weekend.
Traders will be selling their produce at the Weighbridge until Friday 23 May, before moving to the Royal Square from Saturday 24 to Monday 26 May.
Islanders will have the chance to enjoy a glass of cider, a fresh saucissons, or some tasty crepes at the event from 09:00 to 18:00 each day.
Other French products such as fresh fruit, cheese, wine and artisan soaps will be on sale.
Seasons of displacement
Islanders can witness the world-premiere of a local composer’s work at a Liberation-themed concert at St Helier’s Methodist Centre this weekend.
On Friday 23 May, Jersey-based musician Emily de Gruchy will present a new symphony in ‘Four Seasons of Displacement’.
The event will feature over 20 international musicians under direction from conductor Charlotte Cooper, alongside narrator Jamie-Lee Douglas.
Each composition has been developed from the written accounts of those forcibly deported from the Channel Islands to German internment camps in Wurzach.
Supported by ArtHouse Jersey, the concert will begin at 19:30 and forms part of Jersey’s official Liberation 80 anniversary programme.
You can purchase tickets here.
Big Ride Out
Hundreds of bikers are set to take part in a motorcycling event this weekend to raise money for a charity that provides holidays in Jersey for injured members of the armed forces.
The annual Big Ride Out is set to take place on Sunday 25 May in aid of Holidays for Heroes Jersey.
Outgoing charity chair Richard Harwood will lead 750 bikes from St Catherine’s Breakwater to the Watersplash in St Ouen.
Spectators can gather at any point on the route to cheer them on.
Tickets for riders are available from OBB, Mansells, and Inmotion for a minimum donation of £10.
Emergency services open day
Islanders can get a behind-the-scenes look at how emergency teams respond to incidents during an open day at the Weighbridge on Monday 26 May.
The event will feature demonstrations from the frontline ambulance team as well as several voluntary agencies – including St John Ambulance, Normandy Rescue, the Aquatic Rescue Team, the Ambulance Support Unit, the Honorary Police, and Community First Responders.
The open day will take place from 12:00 to 16:00.
Admission is free and no prior booking is needed.