The Big Eat Guernsey - launching April 2026

VisitGuernsey is proud to introduce 'The Big Eat Guernsey', a brand-new food festival celebrating the island’s rich culinary culture. Launching in spring 2026, the festival will run annually in April and October, aiming to boost tourism during the shoulder seasons and position Guernsey as a leading foodie destination.

'The Big Eat Guernsey' will feature two exciting components – and this is how you can get involved:

• Month-long festival menus – Participating local eateries will offer exclusive set menus showcasing Guernsey’s finest ingredients, including dairy and seafood. These menus will be specially crafted for the festival, offering diners a unique taste of the island. We’ll design the menus for you, just send us your content.
• Long weekend food events – A series of immersive experiences will pair food with Guernsey’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. Host or collaborate on unique experiences, promoted under these themes for April: 
  • Meet the Locals
  • The Great Outdoors
  • Foraging & Fine Dining
  • French Connections

Why take part?

We’re excited to invite you to be a part of this brand-new initiative – a culinary celebration promoting the Islands’ vibrant food scene – and would love for you to get involved by offering a menu, hosting an event – or both.

• Free to join
• Supported by a dedicated VisitGuernsey marketing campaign, driving awareness and footfall from both local and off-island audiences
• Wide exposure via press, social media, trade mailers and a new festival website
• A chance to drive footfall and awareness during quieter months

The global value of food tourism

The global gastronomy/food tourism market value in 2024 was approximately £707 billion and is anticipated to increase four-fold in the next 10 years. More travellers than ever are seeking food experiences that connect them to the land, offer the chance to learn about local cuisine and embrace a more sustainable way of living. With your help, by delivering a quality authentic experience, we want to make sure Guernsey is on every food traveller’s wish list.

Research reveals that:

• 84% of travellers state local cuisine influences their destination choice
• 76% of food tourists spend more than they planned on unique local dishes
• 50% of food tourists seek authentic dining experiences
• 48% of travel companies offer food-themed travel packages
• 64% of tourists believe food contributes significantly to their overall travel satisfaction

Sign up now

Let’s work together to make 'The Big Eat Guernsey' a success and showcase the very best of our islands’ hospitality.

To register your interest in being part of 'The Big Eat Guernsey', please sign up using this form and send it to Bori (borbala.halasz@gov.gg) at VisitGuernsey. The deadline is 31 October.

The Guernsey Hospitality Association and the Guernsey Tourism Partnership will also be showing their support for this new festival by sharing the details and form with their members in due course.

If you have any questions or wish to discuss ideas, please contact Bori.