AN annual Corn Riots Festival could become an important event that helps to develop cultural and trade links with Normandy, the Economic Development Minister has said.
Deputy Kirsten Morel said that the festival, which was held last month, could ‘set a precedent’ for the Island to welcome talent from neighbouring French regions to Jersey.
The event included a French Quarter in Parade Gardens that was believed to have attracted an estimated 1,000 visitors each day.
Deputy Morel said: ‘My ambition is for the Corn Riots to become an annual celebration of Jersey’s modern multicultural identity, with educational elements which support our Jèrriais language and a stage for home-grown talent across the arts.
‘But I see it also as an opportunity to develop links with our neighbours by celebrating their talent too.’
The French Quarter at the Corn Riots Festival featured stalls and food products from across Normandy. A total of 37 people travelled to the Island to be part of the event, including 18 musicians and 12 who managed stalls selling a range of goods.
Deputy Morel will be part of a diplomatic visit to Brittany and Normandy, alongside Chief Minister Kristina Moore and External Relations Minister Philip Ozouf, for the annual Normandy summit in Caen this week. During the summit, Jersey Heritage will also be visiting a network of museums and historical sites in Normandy, where they will be exploring opportunities for future co-operation.
Michael Dodds, head of Normandy Tourism, said: ‘We had a great time at the festival.
‘The blend of Jersey and Norman musicians, food, and entertainment worked really well, and we were delighted that so many Islanders were able to enjoy a little taste of Normandy; we hope they will visit us now and see what there is just across the water … after all, we are close cousins.’
Deputy Morel added: ‘Normandy Tourism provided fantastic support financially and organisationally this year, and I am thankful to them for helping us deliver a successful event.
‘I hope that this will set a precedent where Jersey events can welcome musicians, artists, entertainers, and traders from our neighbouring regions in France to celebrate our shared heritage.’
The Corn Riots, which took place on 28 September 1769, saw Islanders protesting against landowners exporting wheat from Jersey, driving up domestic prices.
This year’s festival included live acts across three stages, stalls, stands and exhibitions in the Royal Square, Town Church, Broad Street, Charing Cross, as well as the Parade Gardens’ French Zone.
