Quirky Events in Guernsey This Summer

The Channel Island of Guernsey is just a 30 minute flight from Gatwick making it ideal for a short break over the summer. Whether for the whole family, couples or groups or friends there are plenty of festivals and events to keep everyone occupied.

Here is a selection of the best.

Torteval Scarecrow Festival- 1st-2nd August
Hundreds of scarecrows will pop up in the Guernsey parish of Torteval over this popular weekend for the annual Scarecrow Festival. Creative scarecrows of all shapes and sizes will line the roads, fields and gardens of the stunning area in south west Guernsey and families are invited to follow the Scarecrow Trail through the country lanes. The trail takes about an hour and a half to walk and walkers are provided with guides so they can tick off the scarecrows as they go along. In the past these have ranged from Jesus and his disciples to a vicar, Michael Jackson, astronauts, groups of fishermen and whole choirs!www.cwgsy.net/community/torteval.scarecrows/

Beachside outdoor cinema- 25th-31st August
The ultimate outdoor cinema experience hits Guernsey each summer with the Sure Big Screen at Cobo Bay, one of the island's most idyllic, sandy bays on the west coast. From 25th-31st August this year, the outdoor screen on the beach will show three or four films a day, with films for children in the early afternoon, followed by family films in the evening and adult films later on. The screenings are free and good seating is on a first come first served basis. Showings range from recent releases to classics such as Footloose and Mary Poppins. The full line up and timings are yet to be released but will be available at:www.visitguernsey.com/sure-big-screen

Guernsey Beer & Cider Festival-26th- 27th September

Guernsey may be a small island but locals enjoy a multitude of locally brewed drinks including beer from the Randalls and White Rock breweries and cider from Rocquette Farm. These delicious home brews can be enjoyed at the first Guernsey Beer & Cider Festival in the capital St. Peter Port from 26th-27th September. The festival will feature live music throughout the day and hearty hot food will be available from the Market Bistro. Entry is free.www.visitguernsey.com/guernsey-beer-cider-festival

Guernsey marathon- 30th August
Those looking for perhaps one of the most picturesque marathons in the UK still have time to sign up to the Guernsey marathon on 30th August. The course circumnavigates the entire island starting and finishing in St. Peter Port. 20 miles of the course has coastal views, which are interspersed with inner island lanes and green valleys. Entry is £56 and runners can sign up at: www.guernseymarathon.gg

SandAce Championships- 4th July
The British SandAce Championships is Guernsey's biggest motorcycle and car race. Sand Racing has been taking place in Guernsey since before WWII and this annual event brings hundreds of top solo riders and sidecar teams from all over the country to compete for the championship title. Racing starts at 1.30pm. www.sandace.co.uk

Getting to Guernsey:
Guernsey is accessible with flights from Gatwick with Aurigny (www.aurigny.com) with return fares starting from £94. Flights are also available from Stansted, London City and regional airports with Flybe (www.flybe.com) and Blue Islands. (www.blueislands.com). Guernsey is accessible by sea with Condor Ferries (www.condorferries.co.uk) from Poole and Portsmouth.

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For further information on VisitGuernsey visit: www.visitguernsey.com

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