Jersey’s Corn Riots Festival returns to the Royal Square this weekend, with two days of live music, performance, food and heritage events celebrating the Island’s history.
The free festival – also known as La Folle D’Avoût – will take place from midday to 10pm tomorrow and from midday until 8pm on Sunday.
More than 18 bands and performers are due to appear across the weekend, alongside dancing, poetry, live history events and food.
The line-up includes Jèrriais folk-pop group Badlabecques, the Ollie Wilson Band, electro-pop group Turquoise Days and Ctrl3 featuring Young Contemporary Musician of the Year Josh Davey.
The festival takes its name from the Corn Riots of 1769, when rising grain and bread prices and food shortages prompted protests across Jersey. Islanders took to the streets demanding action from the authorities over the cost of food and access to affordable supplies.
The events subsequently led to major legislative reforms and are regarded as an important milestone in Jersey’s democratic development.
St Helier Constable Inna Gardiner said the events of 1769 “marked a pivotal moment” in the Island’s democratic development.
“The Corn Riots hold a special place in Jersey’s history,” she said.
“Today, the festival offers a wonderful opportunity to reflect on that history while enjoying everything that makes Jersey special. From music and performance to food, language and heritage, there is something for everyone to enjoy.”
Assistant Economic Development Minister Serena Kersten, who holds political responsibility for arts, culture and heritage, added: “The Corn Riots Festival is a great example of how culture can bring people together while celebrating the stories that make Jersey unique.”
The festival was first held in September 2021 to mark the 250th anniversary of the major legislative reforms associated with the Corn Riots.
It has since become an annual event focused on Jersey’s history, language and creative culture.
Further information and the full programme is available at gov.je/cornriots and sthelier.je/event/corn-riots-festival-2026/
