Dive into art and culture in Guernsey this autumn and winter. From art exhibitions and classes to live shows, theatre performances, screenings of professional ballets and concerts from local and visiting artists, you’re sure to find an event to suit you.
We've compiled a list of upcoming events in the world of art, music and culture for the rest of 2023 in this blog, to help you explore on your next visit to our Islands.
October
1st October - 17th December: Renoir in Guernsey, 1883 Exhibition
In September 1883, Renoir stayed in Guernsey for just over a month. During this period, he created 15 paintings, many of Moulin Huet Bay. The only Renoir exhibition in the world in 2023, this brand new experience by Art for Guernsey will celebrate the 140th anniversary of Pierre-Auguste Renoir’s stay and the inspiration that he found on the island. In partnership with the Guernsey Museums and the Musée des Impressionnismes Giverny, including a host of major international loans.
The centrepiece of the event will be a fine art exhibition at Candie Museum, with other exhibitions and activities planned at the Priaulx Library, the Renoir Walk and Art for Guernsey’s gallery in the Old Quarter. Other events include:
- Capturing Movement and Light, Paul Chambers’ photography exhibition at AFG Gallery and the Public Photography Exhibition.
- The Renoir Walk at Moulin Huet, which allows you to see the bay from the same perspectives as Renoir did.
- A Day in 1883 at Priaulx Library, a collection of engravings, photographs and documents recreating the atmosphere of the island at the time of Renoir’s visit.
We also have a collection of Renoir-themed special offers and package deals, which can be viewed on the offers page of our website. Just filter ‘type’ by ‘Renoir’.
Kindly sponsored by Investec
1st October - 16th December: 'For Art & For Love': Reflections of a life with Renoir
Hear memories of Guernsey in 1883, told from the perspective of Renoir's wife Aline. This living history show will be performed every Saturday at the Priaulx Library, commissioned by Guernsey Museums to mark the 140th anniversary of Pierre-Auguste Renoir's stay in Guernsey and the inspiration that he found on the island.
10th-28th October: Bunkers, Beach Stripes and Ices Exhibition - Art at the Park
Jeni Snell is a London-based multidisciplinary visual artist from Guernsey. She creates artwork that celebrates and promotes diversity, empowerment and equality by using allegory and metaphor. Paying homage to Guernsey’s Occupation, Jeni often works with cast-concrete methodology to create sculptures, such as in her new series of ‘Brutalist Ice-creams’. The exhibition will be on view at the National Trust of Guernsey’s Art at The Park Gallery in The Folk and Costume Museum at Saumarez Park, open 10am – 5pm seven days a week. Free admission.
13th - 28th October: Sarnia Arts & Crafts Club ‘Renoir Inspired’ Exhibition
Sarnia Arts and Crafts Club ‘Renoir Inspired’ Exhibition at Sula Framing and Gallery with original paintings and crafts created by the club’s talented members. You can even vote for your favourite entry.
17th October - 12th November: The Guernsey Arts Open
The annual Guernsey Arts Open returns in 2023, celebrating the excellence of art created locally. Featuring the work of 110 local artists at the George Crossan Gallery in the Market Place, the show is free for all.
18th - 21st October: GADOC presents: ‘The Diary of Anne Frank’
GADOC is proud to present Wendy Kesselman's powerful and poignant stage play adaptation of 'The Diary of Anne Frank', documenting the life of Anne Frank and her family, at the newly renovated theatre at Beau Sejour.
24th - 29th October: Half-Term Family Film Festival
From Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, to Spider-Man: Across the Spiderverse or even The Super Mario Bros Movie, there's something for all the family at the newly refurbished Beau Sejour theatre, where you can enjoy the full cinema experience.
27th October: Blues Legend Lil' Jimmy Reed with The A Team
One of the last surviving performers of classic Louisiana down-home blues, Lil’ Jimmy and his band, The A Team, have been taking Europe by storm. His music has won him many awards and an induction into the Blues Hall of Fame. The event at St James is supported by Jon Shaban from Cape Town who has recently moved to Guernsey. All ages welcome, under 14s to be accompanied by an adult.
28th October: Halloween at St James
St James’ big Halloween Party will take you to the home of Dracula himself: Transylvania. There will be live music from The Turbans, Bethlehem Casuals and Hot Springs. The cafe will be open too, hosting the Acoustic Cave with performances throughout the night.
28th and 29th October: Songs for Smiles - The Movies
Local charity, Smile for Georgie will be hosting a night of entertainment and fun at the Princess Royal Centre for the Performing Arts with Music Theatre Guernsey. The theme for this year is “The Movies”, with classic songs from The Greatest Showman, Les Miserables, Abba, the Bond movies and many more. There will be two Matinee performances, with complimentary ice creams, and a Sunday night Gala performance, with a glass of Prosecco.
November
1st November: Fanny Davies International Piano Series presents: Luke Jones
Luke Jones, an extraordinary young musician from Wales, will be hosting a masterclass for local musicians to attend before a performance at St James filled with classic piano pieces, featuring Bach, Beethoven and more. Kindly supported by The Swallow 2018 Charitable Trust and The Guernsey Arts Commission.
3rd November: Electric Footprints
Electric Footprints is a Jazz-Hip Hop crossover group formed of three London session players and friends, Harry Pope, Joe Downard and James Beckwith. Their live sets are free-flowing, eclectic and always focused on heavy, dirty grooves. They will be at St James as part of The Global Collection. All ages welcome, under 14s to be accompanied by an adult. The Global Collection is kindly supported by Spring, Guernsey Arts, Rocquettes Cider and The John Ramplin Charitable Trust.
3rd - 5th November: My Universe: Art Exhibition by Tiffany Anna
Step into local artist, Tiffany Anna's, colourful world at her final exhibition for 2023, My Universe. You won't want to miss this one-of-a-kind showcase of vibrant and captivating art pieces in the Market Place in St Peter Port. Free entry.
7th November: The Royal Ballet presents: Don Quixote
Teeming with comedy, wit and impressive choreography, Carlos Acosta's production brings Cervantes' classic novel to life. This screening will be at the Princess Royal Centre for the Performing Arts.
10th - 12th November: “People Using Umbrellas..."
Guernsey-born artist Andy Smith, AKA Smithsonian Rösterinowill, be exhibiting his latest exhibition, a blend of collages, assemblages and mixed media installations, at the Gate House Gallery. In this exhibition, Rösterino addresses the subject of the climate and ecological emergency.
This event is supported by Guernsey Arts.
11th November: Guernsey Symphonic Winds: A Military Band Musical Tribute with special guests Guernsey Bach Choir
Conducted by Alan Gough at St James, the Guernsey Symphonic Winds present a concert packed full of musical treats with a varied programme of pieces to suit all tastes, including light classics, film, musical theatre and concert symphonies. The evening will include a special military tribute to mark Remembrance Weekend. A donation from the proceeds of the concert will be given to the Poppy Appeal. Kindly sponsored by Sarnia Hotels.
16th November: The Swallow Recitals presents: The Marmen Quartet
With a growing reputation for the courage, vitality and intensity of its performances, the Marmen Quartet is fast establishing itself as one of the most impressive and engaging new talents in the chamber music arena. They will be at St James for one night performing a varied programme that includes Mozart, Takemitsu and Beethoven.
17th November - 20th December: Tiny Island Alphabet Exhibition by Amanda Brun, published by Blue Ormer.
Amanda Brun is a parent, teacher, artist, writer and musician who takes inspiration from the history and folklore of Guernsey. Starting as a personal challenge during lockdown, the book that Amanda has created, with an image for each letter of the alphabet that is associated with Guernsey, is a great way to familiarise local children with the alphabet whilst engaging them with local places and folklore.
The exhibition will be on view at the National Trust of Guernsey’s Art at The Park Gallery in The Folk and Costume Museum at Saumarez Park, open 10am – 5pm seven days a week. Free admission.
18th November: Mirror Ball Night with The Cuban Brothers
From sold-out tours, festival spots and support slots for rock royalty to crazy club nights, film roles and fashion shows, The Cuban Brothers' are now coming to St James. They may be a comedy act, but they're also serious musicians who have played with Prince, toured with James Brown and supported Fatboy Slim, Chuck Berry and De La Soul. Supported by local acts, including Leon Robertson. Please note that this event is for ages 25+.
21st November: Past Tents: Theatre Performance
Multi-award-winning writer/actors David J. Keogh and Seth Jones are bringing the UK run of their new comedy, Past Tents, also starring Mark Keegan, to St James. 'Past Tents' is the story of two desperate people at the end of their tent ropes, forced into each other's company. It is a play that will make you laugh, cry and give you a great night out. Please note that this event is for ages 16+.
24th November: Its Own Animal: Album Launch
The Guernsey-based alt-electronic, folk house, ambient dance pop producer and performer, Garry Minto, AKA Its Own Animal, will be launching their new album: Strike a Spark (Against the Dark) at the cafe at St James. Guest artists will include an eclectic DJ set and short live performance from Flexagon, along with other surprise performances.
December
12th December: The Royal Ballet Presents The Nutcracker
Enjoy a screening of a traditional festive ballet, with the brilliant score by Tchaikovsky, at the Princess Royal Centre for the Performing Arts.
Check back here for an updated listing as new events are announced.
