Online Entry Form

French & Guernésiais

The French and Guernsey French (Guernésiais) sections celebrate the island’s rich linguistic heritage and provide a welcoming and engaging platform for all ages to explore language through performance. The French Section of the Eisteddfod holds a special place in Guernsey’s cultural calendar, reflecting the island’s deep connection to the Bailiwick’s Anglo-Norman roots. It offers a unique opportunity for participants – from young children to adults – to explore the beauty and expression of the French language through prose, poetry, and music. The children's section is well supported by local schools and passionate French teachers, helping to foster confidence and communication skills in a fun, encouraging environment. Performances span from the Junior Section (Under 11) held at Beau Sejour Theatre, to Secondary and Adult Sections staged in a more intimate drama studio setting. The Guernésiais Section of the Eisteddfod is equally important, especially with the ongoing efforts of the Guernsey Language Commission to preserve and revitalise the island’s native tongue. While competitive in nature, the atmosphere is warm and collaborative, with participants often sharing their knowledge, supporting newcomers, and working together to keep the language alive. The Eisteddfod provides a rare and valuable stage for Guernsey French to be spoken, heard, and celebrated. Together, these sections not only showcase linguistic talent but also play an active role in sustaining Guernsey’s unique cultural identity.

Part of the Modern Languages (Speech, Drama and Literary) category, French has a special bond with the Guernsey Eisteddfod due to the island’s strong connection to the Bailiwick’s Anglo-Norman heritage. The French Eisteddfod is a unique forum in which everyone, young and old, can participate in a journey of discovery through prose, poetry and music.

The children’s section is supported by both many of Guernsey’s schools and enthusiastic and committed French teachers.

French, as with all non-mother language tongues, as an adventure of discovery requiring a heightened interest and commitment to learn. Performers learn many important skills which the audience can appreciate both with the Junior Section Under 11 that takes place in the Beau Sejour theatre and the Secondary and Adult Sections that take place in a drama studio.

Whilst the Guernsey French section of the Eisteddfod does have a healthy competitive component; it is a competition after all – the competitors always give their best and the atmosphere is friendly and convivial.  Competitors pool their language skills and help each other and often volunteer coaching to newcomers should they request assistance with pronunciation and intonation.

With the establishment of the Guernsey Language Commission, the Guernsey French category is even more important now as concerted efforts are being implemented Bailiwick-wide to keep Guernsey French alive.

The Eisteddfod Guernsey French Syllabus 2026 is now available to view online.

Please click the button below to download the French Syllabus:

Eisteddfod Guernsey French Syllabus 2026
The Eisteddfod Guernsey French Set Pieces 2026 are now available to view online.
Find out more about this year's Adjudicators.
These will be allocated at the discretion of the Sub Committee.
Meet the Eisteddfod Guernsey French Section Team Members.

Literary Section Coordinator:

  • Louise Le Pelley

    french@eisteddfod.gg

    A lifelong language enthusiast, Louise Le Pelley took part in the Guernsey Eisteddfod every year while at school before going on to study languages at Durham University. Her passion for French and Francophone culture has continued throughout her career, and she now works at Guernsey Arts while also serving as the French Section Co-ordinator for the Eisteddfod.

    Alongside a dedicated team of volunteers, Louise brings warmth, encouragement, and a sense of fun to the French Section, helping people of all ages discover the joy of speaking another language and the confidence that comes from simply getting up and having a go.

    PS: Louise’s favourite class? The Song Class.

French Section Team Members:
Catherine Le Pelley, Paul Le Pelley & Geoff Mahy.

The Eisteddfod Guernsey Guernésiais Syllabus 2026 is now available to view online.

Please click the button below to download the Guernésiais Syllabus:

Eisteddfod Guernsey Guernésiais Syllabus 2026
The Eisteddfod Guernsey Guernésiais Set Pieces 2026 are now available to view online.
Find out more about this year's Adjudicators.
These will be allocated at the discretion of the Sub Committee.
Meet the Eisteddfod Guernsey Guernésiais Section Team Members:

Guernésiais Section Coordinator:

  • Joy Liggett

    guernesiais@eisteddfod.gg

    Joy first entered the Eisteddfod at the age of six, and the festival remained a notable highlight in the calendar until she left the island to further her studies. After living in the UK for over 30 years, she returned to Guernsey and found that preparing for the Eisteddfod was an excellent way to spend the winter months.

    Since 2020, Joy has been the Section Coordinator for the     Guernésiais Eisteddfod. Working alongside a fantastic team, she is proud to showcase the island’s language and culture. The section endeavours to balance contemporary material with traditional texts, and the syllabus is designed to welcome competitors of all ages and abilities.

    The     Guernésiais section is generously sponsored by the Guernsey Language Commission, whose support acknowledges the role the Eisteddfod plays in preserving and revitalising the language. For Joy, and for many others, the festival represents much more than performance-it is a celebration of camaraderie, creativity, and shared heritage.

Guernésiais Section Team Members:
Christopher Dye, Carol Guille, Anne Le Cheminant, Elaine Mahy & Geoffrey Mahy.

Enter online using the 'Enter' button below or download a copy of the Performance Entry Form.
Printable Eisteddfod Guernsey Performance Entry Form
Enter