Beltane 2025

"There are twelve months in all the year, As I hear many folks say. But the
merriest month in all the year, Is the merry month of May!"

La Beltane is back for another year as we welcome in the magical month of May; Celebrating the blossom and the bluebells, the birds and the bees.

 
Supported by Guernsey Arts, our festival is a modern-day re-creation and
celebration of an ancient Iron Age Celtic ritual and is the only of its kind to be
found in the Channel Islands. Having been resurrected as a practice two years
ago, it’s quickly become a popular event for our community, bringing many
people together to acknowledge and revel in the birth of the summer and the
beauty of our island at springtime.

A team of enthusiasts put together a medley of traditional May Day celebration events, which kick off the season.

Russ Fossey from Guernsey Arts says: “The Beltane Festival is a wonderful
event which celebrates performance, artistry, music, and crafts, in the beautiful setting of Sark. Guernsey Arts is pleased to see the festival develop in ambition and to support it for a second year running.”

Director Jolie Rose says of the festival: "Last year La Beltane sold out weeks
before the event and guests flocked to the island from Guernsey, Jersey and the UK. We're expecting to see many returning visitors this year and for the festival to sell out again.
“It's such a magical day and many of those who attended commented on how it
felt unique, full of heart, and told a story, which is that we're taking part in an
ancient celebration of creativity, community and Mother Nature in all her glory!“The daytime part of the festival is entrance by donation, keeping it accessible to all. The proceeds of this year's collection are going to Sark's Professor Saint
Fund. The daytime feels like a traditional summer fete, and everyone's always
impressed by how family friendly it is. The day ends with a fire procession, where we burn a wickerman, before the ticketed evening music begins and everyone 'has it large', stomping to a great line-up of bands including local and
international talent.”

Jolie continued: “Our next La Beltane is going to be bigger and better, with an
amazing line-up planned and more fabulous activities throughout the day to
enjoy. The dream is that in a few years from now tourists will imagine we've been holding these celebrations on Sark for hundreds of years.

“We would like to say a big thank you to the States of Guernsey and Condor
Ferries for their generous funding and support this year and without whom, this event would not be possible.”

In the lead-up to the event, visitors are invited to create voluptuous garlands and fantastical costumes inspired by spring, Beltane, and the enchanting world of the fae, bringing a dazzling spectacle of colour and creativity to life on the day. The best dressed wins a prize!
The Saturday fayre promises a vibrant mix of traditions and activities, featuring the ceremonial well-dressing, captivating mummers plays, joyful maypole dancing, and the crowning of May Queens.

Visitors can also enjoy an array of crafts, hands-on workshops, and diverse
entertainments throughout the day. As the sun sets, the festivities ignite with the dramatic burning of a wickerman, an energetic ceilidh, and an electrifying
showcase of brilliant local and international bands, with the full line-up to be
revealed in the coming months.

The daytime fayre is by donation on the door, the proceeds of which always go to a local charity. This year, we are supporting Sark’s Professor Saint Fund, which subsidises prescription charges for Sark Residents. The evening event is £35, and tickets are available at https://www.tickettailor.com/events/labeltane/1467376

With the hype already building, tickets are expected to sell out quickly, so book early to secure your place at this unforgettable celebration. Come and
experience the magic of La Beltane, where ancient traditions meet modern
creativity in the breathtaking setting of Sark. We can’t wait to welcome you all
back!