Islanders will be able to chew over politics with their elected representatives in cafés, markets and even over breakfast as Democracy Week returns later this month.

Jersey’s seventh annual ‘Democracy Week’ – an exploration of the Island’s past and present political life – will take place from 19 September to 25 September.

Its mission this year is to give Islanders the chance to check-in with their political representatives more than three months on from June’s general election.

Among its many offerings are political history walking tours led by Blue Badge Guides, free guided tours around the States Chamber and, for the first time, three ‘Democracy Cafés’ allowing for more informal political conversation and debate.

Jenny O’Brien, Head of Digital and Public Engagement at the States Greffe, described Democracy Week as giving Islanders the chance to “connect with their members” and “engage with the States Assembly”.

Here’s what to expect…

Saturday 19 September

  • Blue badge guided Royal Court and States Chambers Tour: A two-hour event that comes with a small free to cover costs for professional guides.
  • Pop-up stand at the Jersey Farers Market at Le Tacheron Farm: open from 10am to 2pm, the pop-up offers Islanders the chance to chat informally with States Members.

Monday 21 September

  • Pastries and Politics at The Hub, Windward House: from 8 – 9.30am, this morning event is aimed at businesses and those working in St Helier.
  • Pop-up stand at the Town Library from 11am – 1pm.

Tuesday 22 September

  • Tour of the States Chamber: from 12 – 1pm, the tour will also include a Q&A session with States Members.
  • Join the Conversation at the Salvation Army café in Minden Street, St Helier: all are welcome for this informal chit-chat taking place from 10am – 11:30am.

Wednesday 23 September

  • Pop-up stand in the Central Market from 12-2pm.

Thursday 24 September

  • Tour of the States Chamber from 12-1pm.
  • Political History walking tour around St Helier: from 10am – 11:30am, Islanders can learn about all manner of historical political tribulations – heroes, battles and riots aplenty – during a talk led by Blue Badge Guides.
  • Launch of the States Assembly’s CPD (Continuing Professional Development) programme for teachers: Free tickets are available to teachers and those working in education via Eventbrite.

Friday 25 September

  • Democracy on the Move: a guided circular walk beginning from the Jersey Pearl Café in St Ouen at 10am, and ending at 11.30am. All are welcome for the age-old natter-cuppa one-two.
  • ‘Clash of Titans: Jersey’s Ultimate Rivalry’: From 5.30pm, Toby Clyde-Smith is leading a ‘Tall Tales’ tour about the bitter feud between two of Jersey’s greatest political enemies in Pierre Le Sueur and François Godfray.
  • Political History walking tour around St Helier.

This year’s democracy week also marks the first meeting of the 2026-2027 Jersey Youth Assembly – JYA numbers are not capped and 14-19-year-olds are invited to sign up via the States Assembly website.