Guernsey Joins Europe-Wide Celebration: ‘Millenium – 2027 European Year of the Normans’

2027 will mark the 1000th anniversary of the birth of William the Conqueror, and to commemorate this milestone, the Normandy Regional Council has announced ‘Millenium -2027 European Year of the Normans’.

The year-long cultural programme, which will span Normandy, the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands, Flanders, Southern Italy, Norway and Denmark, will celebrate the profound impact of the Normans across Europe and explore their lasting influence on identity, innovation and cultural exchange.

The 2027 programme will, featuring a vibrant calendar of:

• Exhibitions and contemporary art
• Music and performance
• Festivals and trails
• Student exchanges
• Educational and sporting activities

Millenium 2027 will celebrate the shared bonds that link Guernsey, Normandy and Europe through collaboration and creativity. The initiative will explore themes of migration, cultural fusion and identity, highlighting how Norman heritage continues to inspire European cooperation.

VisitGuernsey has already begun working with Normandie Tourisme to ensure Guernsey is promoted as a destination within the programme. This includes collaborating with Atout France, Visit Britain, Visit Norway, Visit Denmark, Visit Jersey, Tourism Ireland, Tourism Basilicata and a range of other partners to promote the island as part of the European-wide events.

Get Involved

The States is now coordinating Guernsey’s response to Millenium 2027, incorporating both existing events and new initiatives. Local individuals, artists, schools, organisations and community groups are warmly invited to take part.

To learn more and contribute ideas, join one of the upcoming workshops:

• Workshop 1: Wednesday 12 November, 13.00–14.00 – Guernsey Museum
• Workshop 2: Thursday 13 November, 17.00–18.00 – Guernsey Museum

To register your interest, email the 2027 Project Team.

As part of the programme, organisations outside Normandy can apply for funding in partnership with eligible Normandy-based collaborators. The next funding round opens November 2025 and closes January 2026. Support is available to help match partners and guide applications.

Deputy Paul Montague, President of the Committee for Education, Sport & Culture, said:

“Guernsey’s participation in ‘Millenium - 2027 European Year of the Normans’ is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the island’s deep-rooted connections with Normandy and wider Europe. This initiative not only honours our shared past but also looks to the future; encouraging collaboration, creativity and cultural exchange. There will also be many opportunities for our schools to engage in these celebrations and make connections with schools in Normandy. I look forward to seeing our community come together to showcase the rich history, language and traditions that make Guernsey such a unique part of the Norman story.”

Helen Glencross, Head of Culture & Heritage Services, said:

“We are delighted to be participating in ‘Millenium -2027 European Year of the Normans’ and look forward to both honouring our shared history and inspiring new connections for our island across Europe. Guernsey’s deep historical and cultural connections with Normandy make us a proud participant in the celebrations, and I encourage anyone interested to come along to one of our workshops to find out more.”

Find out more: gov.gg/yearofthenormans