Jersey Together 2018 is due to be held in the People’s Park from 6 to 8 July and aims to bring together the ‘great culture, traditions and cuisines’ of the Island’s different communities.
The event was the brainchild of members of the Polish United group, which supports the local Polish community, and aims to embrace all of the various cultures within Jersey.
Co-organiser Andrzej Kopacz, a Polish national who is a manger at the Jersey Royal Company, said that they would like as many nationalities as possible to be represented at the festival.
‘We are in contact with all local food and drink providers from Jersey’s different nationalities,’ he said.
‘We are aiming to have contributions from the Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Italian and French communities.
‘We would like anyone who is keen to take part to get in contact with us. We are going to have a stage, a huge marquee and lots of stalls for food.’
The free-entry festival, which will be family-oriented, is also due to feature musical performances, including from a visiting Polish folk band.
It is due to take place during the later stages of the World Cup and the organisers hope to have facilities available for attendees to watch semi-final matches.
Businessman Helmut Fuchs, who is from the Czech Republic and is another member of the organising team, said that they thought it was time to hold a festival for all cultures in Jersey, not just specific groups.
‘The Polish festival has not been held for a few years and we wanted to bring something back but thought we would do it for all nationalities,’ he said.
‘We want to show what we have here in Jersey and how we can combine with each other. We also have some friends from Africa who are interested in the event.’
He added: ‘We would like to thank the Bailiff and the Licensing Assembly for their permission to run the event.’
Mr Kopacz and Mr Fuchs said that a lot of similar events are held elsewhere across Europe and they expect a number of overseas visitors to attend Jersey Together.
The exact entertainment and culinary line up for the festival, which is due to open between 11 am and 11 pm each day, will be announced in the coming weeks.
Anybody interested in participating or helping with the event should contact the team by emailing jerseytogether2018@gmail.com.
