La Beltane: Sark May Day Celebrations

"There are twelve months in all the year, As I hear many folks say. But the merriest month in all the year, Is the merry month of May!"

La Beltane is back for another year as we welcome in the magical month of May; Celebrating the blossom and the bluebells, the birds and the bees.  

Buy tickets

Supported by Guernsey Arts, our festival is a modern-day re-creation and celebration of an ancient Iron Age Celtic ritual and is the only of its kind to be found in the Channel Islands. Having been resurrected as a practice two years ago, it’s quickly become a popular event for our community, bringing many people together to acknowledge and revel in the birth of the summer and the beauty of our island at springtime. A team of enthusiasts put together a medley of traditional May Day celebration events, which kick off the season.

In the lead-up to the event, visitors are invited to create voluptuous garlands and fantastical costumes inspired by spring, Beltane, and the enchanting world of the fae, bringing a dazzling spectacle of colour and creativity to life on the day. The best dressed wins a prize!

The Saturday fayre promises a vibrant mix of traditions and activities, featuring the ceremonial well-dressing, captivating mummers plays, joyful maypole dancing, and the crowning of May Queens.

Visitors can also enjoy an array of crafts, hands-on workshops, and diverse entertainments throughout the day. As the sun sets, the festivities ignite with the dramatic burning of a wickerman, an energetic ceilidh, and an electrifying showcase of brilliant local and international bands, with the full line-up to be revealed in the coming months.

The daytime fayre is by donation on the door, the proceeds of which always go to a local charity. This year, we are supporting Sark’s Professor Saint Fund, which subsidises prescription charges for Sark Residents. The evening event is £35, and tickets are available at https://buytickets.at/labeltane/1051789

With the hype already building, tickets are expected to sell out quickly, so book early to secure your place at this unforgettable celebration. Come and experience the magic of La Beltane, where ancient traditions meet modern creativity in the breathtaking setting of Sark. We can’t wait to welcome you all back!