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Islands to join Europe in celebrating Norman past

George ThorpeChannel Islands
States of Guernsey Seven people - made up of five government officials, an artist and a musician - stand in a room with white walls in front of an orange sign. The government officials are all wearing smart clothing. One of the artists has a white T-shirt on and is holding a musical instrument. The other artist is wearing a cloak with various patterns on it.States of Guernsey
Officials from Jersey and Guernsey were at an event in the British embassy in Paris to launch their participation in the project

Channel Island officials have joined with representatives from Normandy to officially launch the islands' involvement in celebrations to mark 1,000 years since William the Conqueror's birth.

An event was held at the British embassy in Paris on Thursday to launch their participation in the Millenium 2027: European Year of the Normans.

Cultural events being staged in the islands include a Medieval Festival and a series of concerts in Jersey along with an exhibition at Guernsey Museum and the theme being incorporated into Alderney Week.

The project, initiated by the Normandy Regional Council and set to run throughout next year, includes events reflecting on Norman influences across Europe.

It aims to engage communities throughout the British Isles, the Channel Islands, France, Italy, Denmark, Norway and beyond with exhibitions, conferences, talks and themed events.

The event at the embassy included a performance by Jersey poet The Story Beast about the legends of the Dukes of Normandy and the Channel Islands.

Guernsey-based folk artist James Dumbelton also performed.

Government of Jersey A large group of people site inside a room with white walls while two artists perform in front of them.Government of Jersey
Cultural events will take place during 2027 to celebrate Norman influences and the 1,000th anniversary of William the Conqueror's birth

William became Duke of Normandy in 1035 and the Channel Islands were part of the Duchy when he won the Battle of Hastings in 1066 and seized the throne as King William I of England.

The rest of the Norman territories were lost to France in 1204 during the reign of King John, after which the islands swore allegiance to the English Crown and were rewarded with a high level of independence.

Elaine Millar, Jersey's Treasury and Resources Minister and Assistant Minister for External Relations, said: "This initiative further strengthens our shared commitment to celebrating our historic ties with Normandy and highlights the depth of our cultural and historical connections to Europe."

Paul Montague, President of Guernsey's Education, Sports and Culture Committee, added: "Work has been progressing at pace over the past few months to co-ordinate and develop a strong programme of events for Guernsey throughout 2027, which have been put forward by our community to showcase the rich history, language and traditions of our island."

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