Wednesday 12 April 2023
Castle Cornet's annual HistoryFest has a French flavour this year.
The first major public event in the castle season takes place on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 April with lots to see for the whole family. HistoryFest adopts a different topic each year and this theme was chosen to mark the 140th anniversary of Pierre-Auguste Renoir's stay in Guernsey. A living history show has been commissioned for this special event and will be performed during the weekend.
The team strive to make the weekend accessible and interesting for as many people as possible. Jo Dowding, Access & Learning Manager explains:
'Little ones can enjoy some storytelling each morning 10.00-12.00 with the Guille-Allès Library staff and then all weekend we have a picture trail with images from Toilers of the Sea. You can explore the castle while looking for an octopus, treasure, and an enormous French flag. In the craft area visitors can have a go at French knitting, make an octopus or learn some castle words in French.'
There is plenty to keep adults entertained, with a daily castle tour at 10.30 followed by the same tour in French at 10.40. On both days there will also be self-led trails around the Castle to learn more about Guernsey's cultural and historical links to France. There will also be a chance to find out about the Victor Hugo in Guernsey Society. On Sunday from 11am a member of the Guernsey Museum Curatorial team will bring out some French objects from the collection for people to see close-up.
For the entire weekend, The Guernsey Military History Company team up with Guernsey Armouries to tell the story of French residents of the Channel Islands who returned to France to serve in the French armed forces during WW1. Apart from names on war memorials, little is publicly known of their service and sacrifice. The Living History display (which includes a working kitchen) gives the opportunity to look at uniforms, kit, equipment, and weapons. Some of these are rarely seen in Guernsey and were carried and used by the French Army from 1914- 18.
The Guernsey History in Action Company will present 2 French-themed shows during the weekend. One is a world exclusive of the new Renoir show, called For Art & For Love. This monologue is told from the perspective of Renoir's wife Aline and reflects on their inspirational time spent in Guernsey.
Entry to HistoryFest is free with your Discovery Pass, otherwise normal castle admission applies. The opening hours are 10am-5pm each day. The timetable can be seen at www.museums.gov.gg/historyfest.
