Alderney Week

Come and experience the largest summer carnival in Britain!

To call Alderney Week a huge village summer fete would really not be doing it justice. Perhaps this week of mad fun and frolics would best be described as one of the biggest annual carnivals in Britain with over 100 events taking place in the main town and beaches and plenty to keep all ages fully absorbed and occupied. Whether you like sports, local produce, parades, stories, films, performances or concerts, there will be an event to capture your imagination.

Each year the islanders vote to choose a theme for the week. Everyone seems to take part. Shopkeepers will be in themed costume as there’s even a prize for the best dressed shop window. Planning for Alderney Week begins at Easter with the choosing of a local girl to become ‘Miss Alderney’ and not only lead the processions during the week but to become the islands ambassador during the year. ‘Mr Alderney’ however is usually chosen as part of one of the fun themed nights during Alderney Week.

Other events during the week have included:

• Opening parade
• ‘Quarry party’
• live concerts
• ‘Man powered flights’
• glass bottomed canoeing
• kayaking
• tennis tournaments
• beach olympics
• ‘Daft Raft Race’
• ‘Iron Man/Lady’ competition
• clay pigeon shooting
• triathlon
• football
• beach volleyball
• quizzes
• treasure hunts
• geo caching
• theatre performances
• film screenings
• ‘Yard of Ale’ competition
• talent show
• Mr Alderney parade
• star gazing
• picnics
• sandcastle competitions
• spooky events at Fort Tourgis
• water fights
• Victoria Street Market
• ‘Holiday Prince and Princess’
• art competitions
• Story telling in Memorial Gardens
• ‘Bunker Party’
• fashion show
• dawn breakfast
• cavalcade of floats
• torchlit procession
• fireworks

Alderney Week festivities first began in 1948 but the islanders can trace its traditions back much further. In the 1700s, Alderney’s Governor was said to try and stop a similar festival through fear of setting fire to the thatched houses. Spring fertility festivals and harvest celebrations all featured the traditional torch-lit procession now adopted as a magical part of Alderney Week.

Alderney Week dates

Alderney celebrates a unique bank holiday on the first Monday of August and Alderney Week traditionally starts on the Saturday before. For this years dates check our blog and events and festivals pages.

Come and experience Alderney Week!

This is one week not to be missed in Alderney where you’ll be guaranteed non-stop entertainment when this usually serene little island will adopt the best summer carnival spirit. Places will book up early so to secure your travel and accommodation take a look at our inclusive packages or call our team on 01621 734777 for help and advice.