Top reasons to choose Jersey for a short summer break

Friday, 13 April 2012 8:47 AM

If you're planning to visit Jersey for a short break, you'll find there's plenty happening on the island this summer to keep you busy. Indeed, every year there is a packed calendar to tempt visitors so make sure you check out what's going on before you set off.

This year is no exception and to find out some of the best events in Jersey that will be taking place, read on.

Diamond Jubilee

2012 is a very special year for the UK, with the country celebrating the 60th year of Elizabeth II's reign. If you're staying in Jersey hotels over the special long bank holiday weekend - June 2nd to 5th - you don't have to miss out on all the fun as the island will be celebrating the Diamond Jubilee in style.

On Monday June 4th, make your way to Jardins de la Mer in West Park, St Helier, where you will be able to wave your Union Jack with pride as you watch a big screen transmission of the Jubilee concert being staged at nearby Fort Regent. Military bands, choirs and orchestras will be playing and you can enjoy the sound as you wander around the many food stalls that will be set up in the park.

Later, Jersey's Jubilee Beacon will be lit and a 21 gun salute will be fired by the Jersey Militia. Shortly after, the night sky will be lit up with a magnificent firework display at Elizabeth Castle and if you're still at the food fair, you'll have the ideal vantage point to enjoy it.

Bonne Nuit Harbour Festival

If you're planning to visit Jersey with your family, book your stay for June 16th, when the Bonne Nuit Harbour Festival takes place. This is an unbeatable day out for you and your kids, where there's something on offer for each one of your travelling companions to enjoy.

On the harbour beach in St John, you will be able to watch contenders compete in the Strongest Man competition, or watch the judging of the Bonnie Baby contest. There will also be a coconut shy for you to try your luck at, while music will fill the air as you have a go at one for the other seaside games.

The Battle of the Flowers

Every August, Victoria Avenue in St Helier comes alive with colour and music, as The Battle of the Flowers Grand Day Parade travels down it. Scheduled for August 9th this year, the carnival is rapidly becoming known as one of the best in Europe, so make your way to the street where you will be able to watch. Brightly decorated floats and numerous dancers will journey down the avenue to entertain the crowds.

Don't worry if you miss the event, as the next evening will host The Battle of the Flowers Moonlight Parade along the same route, which is a truly mesmerising sight. Thousands of tiny lights illuminate the floats, ensuring the festival ends on a spectacular note.

Jersey Live Festival

No summer would be complete without attending at least one music festival and you can do just that during your holiday in jersey. On September 1st and 2nd, Jersey Live Festival at the Royal Jersey Showground will be playing host to some of the biggest names in the charts.

While the 2012 line-up has not been announced yet, 2011 saw Madness, The Streets, Plan B and Ed Sheeran all take to the stage.

Book a break in London for the Boat Race

If you are planning to spend some time in London over the Easter weekend, you won't want to miss the BNY Mellon Boat Race. All the action gets underway on Easter Sunday (March 31st), marking the 159th time crews from Oxford and Cambridge Universities have gone head-to-head in the spirit of competition on the Thames.