Lé Viaër Marchi returns

Sunday 03 July 2022

The first full Le Viaër Marchi (“A Guernsey Evening”) since before the pandemic returns today (4 July).

The National Trust of Guernsey event showcases “a proper flavour of Guernsey”, with traditional food, drink, crafts, music and dancing.

Viaër Marchi Committee Chair, Sarah Lampitt, said she was looking forward to the “vibe” of the community event. 

Pictured: Lé Viaër Marchi has been held annually since 1970. (Credit: The National Trust of Guernsey.)

“The Viaër Marchi is the first big event to herald the summer season. When the Boy’s Brigade Band strikes up, it’s the greatest sense of community,” said Ms Limpett. 

“The Viaër Marchi has all the traditional elements of Guernsey including bean jar, gache and Guernsey biscuit. There will be local craft demonstrations, including crab pot weaving. There will also be traditional Guernsey dancers.”

The Viaër Marchi has been a long-standing part of island events, being held annually since 1970, with the exception of the pandemic years. 

The 2020 saw the event cancelled entirely, while 2021 a smaller-scale event called the Petit Viaër Marchi was held in 2021.

Pictured: Flower stalls have been an "intrinsic part" of Lé Viaër Marchi since the event began. (Credit: The National Trust of Guernsey.) 

“We are very much looking forward to welcoming everyone back to the full event this year, which will be even more poignant after the pandemic,” said Ms Limpett. 

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to mingle with other people and we know that people love meeting up and reconnecting there.”

The National Trust has described the Viaër Marchi as representing “the best of Guernsey's heritage and a traditional opportunity to bump into old friends and welcome visitors in true Guernsey style”.

Pictured: Lé Viaër Marchi is held Saumarez Park. 

Ms Limpett added: “I would encourage everyone, locals and tourists, to come along and experience a proper flavour of Guernsey."

The Viaër Marchi will be held at Saumarez Park from 17:00 to 19:00.