ST JAMES DANCE FESTIVAL 2026

St James Dance Festival – Bank Holiday Weekend 23rd & 24th May 2026
A Dance Weekend to remember, your perfect island getaway!

Lindy Hop & Liberty Tea Dance - hosted by The Melody Man (UK)

St James Dance Festival - Bank Holiday Weekend 23rd & 24th May 2026

A dance weekend to remember!

In 2026 we are celebrating 80 years from the first anniversary of the Liberation of Guernsey from German occupation, when live music started up again and Islanders came together in friendship, music and dance.

Saturday 23rd May:

Free Dance Classes - just turn up and dance!

10am - 11am: Introduction to the Lindy Hop

11am - 12am: New moves for Lindy 'Improvers'

12am - 13am: Introduction to Balboa

2pm - 3pm: Rock'n'Roll / Jive Conversion to the Lindy Hop and Swing Beat

Saturday Evening - Doors at 7pm

Live music from the Ding Dong Daddios, who regularly play at the famous Goodwood Revival Festival, bringing their upbeat versions of early Rock 'n' Roll, Jive and Swing numbers. A night to dress up, practice those new moves and let your hair down on the dance floor.

Sunday 24th May - 2pm - 5pm

A brand new event hosted by the legendary Melody Man (UK) from 'Dancing through Time'. Mark and Hoc, well-known for period dances at events across the UK, such as Twinwoods, Riviera Swing and Humdingers, will entertain and lead us through some well-loved and fun novelty dances.

In between there will be live music from the Guernsey Jazz Orchestra featuring a variety of traditional Tea Dance music with an accent on vintage Swing. St James has one of the biggest dance spaces in Guernsey!

To enhance this elegant and atmospheric afternoon, you are encouraged to dress up in period clothes and will be rewarded with tea and cake!

We are working on several extra surprises to make this a special event echoing the joys of peace, freedom and togetherness.

Choose from single tickets for Saturday Night and Sunday Tea Dance, or come and dance all weekend long with a Weekend Dance Ticket!