Celebrate St Helier

It's over 960 years since St Helier was martyred on the rocks that now support Elizabeth Castle

But the vast expanse of time that separates today's island capital from those days of marauding pirates and pious hermits hasn't diminished Jersey's appetite for remembering and celebrating St Helier's sacrifice.

The town's celebrations take two forms. The first and more solemn is an annual pilgrimage to St Helier's hermitage behind the castle. Scores of islanders joined the Dean of Jersey and the Constable of St Helier in making their way across the causeway last Sunday.

Celebrating community spirit

This Saturday and Sunday (22nd and 23rd July) will see islanders celebrating in an entirely different way as they come together for the fifth annual Fête de St Hélier, being held in Parade Gardens and the surrounding streets.

The Fête de St Hélier brings together thousands of islanders in a street party celebrating the town's community spirit. The festival features arts and crafts stalls, a food village at Parade Gardens and three stages of live music and entertainment.

Sensory overload!

With food from some of St Helier's most popular eateries and music from a wide range of bands, groups and organisations, as well as craft stalls and displays of local art, there is a danger that the Fête de St Hélier could overwhelm your senses! For a change of pace, the Cafe Bar is not too far away from the action to relax and recharge over lunch or quick bite before rejoining the celebrations.

The Fête de St Hélier runs from 10am to 8pm on both Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd July.