Wednesday, 3 June 2026

La Fête Nouormande 2026

 La Fête Nouormande returns to Jersey: stories, poetry, music and dance

 

For the first time since 2017, the annual celebration of Norman language returns to Jersey on the weekend of 13th-14th June 2026.

 

La Fête Nouormande, also known as La Fête des Rouaisouns, brings together speakers and enthusiasts of Jèrriais, Guernésiais and mainland varieties of Norman language in a programme of performances, exchanges and activities. The public are invited to attend many of the free events during the weekend, and even try out some traditional dancing.

 

The festival is an opportunity for speakers of many varieties of Norman with their particular local accents and vocabulary to share the wealth of literature in Norman across the centuries, from the Middle Ages to modernity, as well as to enjoy song from traditional to more contemporary.

 

A booklet containing texts of stories, poems and songs is provided to help those unfamiliar with the range of accents to follow along with the performances (and perhaps even join in with some of the songs).

 

Saturday 13th June

 

9.30-11.30am

A programme of dance, music, and texts in the Assembly Room at Saint Helier Town Hall (free entry)

 

From 11.30am

A procession of performers and participants across the Town centre, starting from the Town Hall, with dancing al fresco along the way.

 

7.30pm

An evening of performances, including a musical set from Jèrriais band Mêli-Mêlo. In the Assembly Room at Saint Helier Town Hall (free entry)

 

 

Sunday 14th June

 

9.30am

 

A guided historical and literary tour in Jèrriais of central Saint Helier with performances, led by Geraint Jennings

 

11.15am

 

A religious service in Jèrriais. St Paul's Centre. Led by Brian Vibert.

 

(Organised by Le Congrès des Parlers Normands et Jèrriais)

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