About
History of the Guernsey Eisteddfod
For more than a century, the Guernsey Eisteddfod has celebrated creativity, performance, and community spirit — inspiring generations of islanders to share their love of the arts.
Origins and Early Years
The Guernsey Eisteddfod was officially established in 1927, when the island hosted its first Festival at St Julian’s Theatre, St Peter Port. Competitions in Music and Elocution marked the beginning of a long-standing cultural tradition that continues to thrive today.
The Society had been formed in the years leading up to that first Festival, inspired by the Welsh Eisteddfod tradition — a cultural gathering meaning “a sitting together”, where people celebrate music, poetry, and performance. The founders’ vision was to create an annual event that encouraged artistic expression and brought the community together through creativity.
Growth and Evolution
From those early beginnings, the Eisteddfod grew rapidly.
In 1928, the French Section was introduced, reflecting Guernsey’s linguistic and cultural ties with France.
Over time, new sections were added — including Guernesiais, Art, Photography, and Shorthand — showcasing the diversity of local talent.
Even during the German Occupation (1940–1945), the spirit of the Festival endured, and it returned soon after Liberation with renewed energy and enthusiasm.
Through the decades, the Eisteddfod became a highlight of the island calendar — a place where performers of all ages could share their talents, learn from expert adjudicators, and grow in confidence.
A Festival for All
Run entirely by volunteers, the Eisteddfod has always embodied community spirit. Each section is supported by dedicated committees who work year-round to organise events, liaise with schools and teachers, and welcome visiting adjudicators.
The Festival is open to all — from children taking to the stage for the first time to experienced artists honing their craft. Feedback, certificates, medals, and trophies all play a part in encouraging participants to develop and celebrate their artistic journeys.
A New Chapter
In October 2023, the organisation transitioned from the Guernsey Eisteddfod Society to Eisteddfod Guernsey LBG, becoming a limited-by-guarantee charity. This change strengthened governance and ensured sustainability for future generations.
Alongside the new structure came a rebrand and refreshed visual identity, a new website, and plans to modernise operations. The move paved the way for new initiatives, including the introduction of online entry forms — trialled for selected sections in 2025 and rolled out across all sections in 2026.
Looking Ahead
Now well into its second century, the Guernsey Eisteddfod continues to evolve while staying true to its founding values — creativity, community, and celebration.
Each year, the Festival brings together hundreds of entrants and audiences across its Music, Speech & Drama, French, Guernésiais, and Photography sections — keeping the arts alive and flourishing in our island community.
👉 You can explore key milestones from 1927 to today in our Eisteddfod Through the Years timeline below:
From humble beginnings to a century of creativity, the Guernsey Eisteddfod has grown with the island — reflecting its culture, language, and love of the arts. Explore some of the key moments that have shaped its story below.
1927 – The Beginning
The first Guernsey Eisteddfod is held at St Julian’s Theatre, St Peter Port, featuring competitions in Music and Elocution. The Society had been formed in the years leading up to this first Festival, officially establishing the Eisteddfod tradition in Guernsey.
1928 – Bonjour, French Section!
The French Section is introduced, reflecting Guernsey’s linguistic and cultural ties with France.
1930s – Island-Wide Enthusiasm
Participation grows rapidly, with schools and community groups joining across the island.
1940–1945 – Occupation Years
Formal competitions pause during the German Occupation, but the spirit of the Eisteddfod endures through informal performances and gatherings.
Post-1945 – Rebirth and Renewal
The festival returns soon after Liberation, stronger than ever, with new sections and venues across Guernsey.
1950s–1970s – Expanding Horizons
New sections are added, including Guernésiais, Art, Photography, and Shorthand, helping preserve local language and celebrate diverse talents.
1980s–1990s – A Modern Festival
The Eisteddfod continues to flourish, with professional adjudicators visiting annually and growing community involvement.
2000s–2010s – New Generations
Hundreds of islanders — from young performers to adults rediscovering their love of the arts — take to the stage and exhibition spaces each spring.
2022 – Approaching a Century
As the Festival nears its 100-year anniversary, sections reflect on the Eisteddfod’s legacy and its continued importance in Guernsey’s cultural calendar.
October 2023 – Transition to Eisteddfod Guernsey LBG & Rebrand
At an Extraordinary General Meeting, members approve the formal transition from the Guernsey Eisteddfod Society to Eisteddfod Guernsey LBG, a limited-by-guarantee charity.
The change is accompanied by a fresh new identity, a modern website, and plans to strengthen digital engagement.
2025–2026 – Digital Progress
Online entry forms are introduced — first as a pilot for selected sections in 2025, then rolled out across all sections in 2026 — making it easier than ever for entrants to take part.
Today – A Living Legacy
Now well into its second century, the Guernsey Eisteddfod continues to inspire, evolve, and celebrate the artistic heartbeat of our island — combining a proud history with a forward-looking spirit.