La Beltane Festival 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!"

Join us in Sark for the Bank Holiday weekend as we welcome in the magical month of May, celebrating the blossom, and the bluebells, the birds and the bees.

Supported by the States of Guernsey and 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's 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 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 feels like a traditional summer fete, and everyone's always impressed by how family friendly it is. The daytime ends with a fire procession, where we burn a wickerman, before the ticketed evening part begins and everyone 'has it large', stomping to a great line-up of bands including local and international talent. 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.”

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 Future Healthcare Initiatives. 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. 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.”

Then join us in the evening for a ticketed event that includes the burning of a wickerman, a ceilidh, and then a bedlam of brilliant local and international bands, with our line-up being announced over the coming months.

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 breath-taking setting of Sark. We can’t wait to welcome you all back!

Tickets:

Daytime - Donation (Suggested donation is £5. You can make a donation of £5 online today or pay what you want at the gate on the day)

Evening - £35 (Under 12yrs welcome until 9pm and gain free entry with a pre-booked Under 12yrs Ticket)