For the first time since 2017, La Fête Nouormande returns to Jersey this June, bringing together a vibrant celebration of Norman language, culture, music, storytelling - and traditional dance.
Taking place across the weekend of 13th – 14th June 2026, the festival (also known as La Fête des Rouaisouns) welcomes speakers and enthusiasts of Jèrriais, Guernésiais, and mainland Norman languages for a packed programme of performances, poetry, music, cultural exchanges, and free public events.
For dance lovers, Saturday offers a rare opportunity to experience, and even try, traditional Norman and Jèrriais dancing, with performances taking place in the heart of St Helier before spilling out into the streets.
Traditional dance at the heart of the celebration
Dance plays a key role in this year's programme, particularly on Saturday 13th June, when audiences can enjoy performances in the historic surroundings of the Assembly Room at St Helier Town Hall, before joining a lively procession through town complete with dancing al fresco.
The dancing element of the weekend will feature Les Chaboleurs, a local dance group connected to the Jèrriais language section. The group meets monthly to practice traditional dances and regularly performs at Jersey cultural events, including the Corn Riots Festival.
Their name, Les Chaboleurs - meaning "the shufflers" - comes from the Jèrriais word chabots, meaning clogs, reflecting the movement and heritage behind the dances they help preserve.
For anyone curious about Jersey's cultural traditions, or simply keen to experience something different, La Fête Nouormande offers a chance to see how language, music and movement come together to keep Norman heritage alive.
Full Schedule: La Fête Nouormande 2026
Saturday 13th June
- 09:30 - 11:30: A programme of dance, music and texts in the Assembly Room at St Helier Town Hall (free entry)
- From 11:30 onwards: A procession of performers and participants through St Helier Town Centre, beginning at the Town Hall, with traditional dancing taking place along the route
- 19:30: An evening programme of performances in the Assembly Room at St Helier Town Hall, including a musical set from Jersey Jèrriais band Mêli-Mêlo (free entry)
Sunday 14th June
- 09:30: A guided historical and literary tour of central St Helier in Jèrriais, led by Geraint Jennings, featuring performances along the way
- 11:15: A religious service in Jèrriais at St Paul’s Centre, led by Brian Vibert.
Throughout the weekend, visitors can enjoy stories, poetry, traditional and contemporary songs, and performances celebrating the richness of Norman language across the centuries. A booklet of texts, poems and songs will also be available to help audiences follow performances, and perhaps even join in.
Many events are free to attend, making La Fête Nouormande an accessible way to experience a unique part of Jersey's cultural identity.
La Fête Nouormande is organised by Le Congrès des Parlers Normands et Jèrriais.
