27 March 2018: The Guernsey Heritage Festival returns for a fifth year from 30 March to 10 May. The 2018 festival will shine a light on life in the Bailiwick of Guernsey under German rule during World War II and the islands' subsequent liberation from the occupying forces.

More than 300 events will take place over the six-week festival to enable visitors to learn what life was like during the five-year occupation of the Channel Islands – the only place in the British Isles to be occupied by the Nazis – and experience how islanders carried on with day to day life. Guided walks and cycle rides, events at prominent heritage sites, talks, family fun days and exclusive access to some of Guernsey's WWII landmarks will tell the story of Guernsey, Alderney, Herm and Sark under the occupation.

The occupation will also be highlighted in 2018 through a new film, set for release nationwide on 20 April, which is based on the much-loved novel 'The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society'. Starring Lily James (Downton Abbey) and Michiel Huisman (Game of Thrones), the film follows the story of a free-spirited journalist who forms a life-changing bond with an eccentric Guernsey book club, formed during the island's occupation. A series of events, themed walks and packages focusing on locations featured in the story will form part of the wider Guernsey Heritage Festival, so that visitors can experience the Guernsey depicted in the film.

Key events already announced for the 2018 Guernsey Heritage Festival include:

Reflections on Occupation exhibition

Every day during the festival from 9am to 4pm

The Guernsey Museum at Candie reflects on the occupation of Guernsey from a 21st century perspective with a temporary exhibition for the festival in its Greenhouse Gallery. 'Reflections on Occupation' brings together a wide range of artistic talent from all ages, disciplines and styles, creating a reflective and thought-provoking experience. £6.50 per adult / £3 per child (7-18 years) / free for under 7s. www.visitguernsey.com/event/reflections-occupation  

German Naval Signal HQ - Guided Tour

31 March, 7, 14, 21, 28 April, 5 May at 2pm

The heavily fortified 15 room wartime communication bunker of the German Naval Commander has been converted into a compact and informative museum, offering guided tours during the festival. Located next to the Collinette Hotel, which was made the headquarters of the German Naval Commander Channel Islands, the bunker was once responsible for the control of all the Channel Islands coast artillery during the occupation and has been restored to reflect the way it looked during that time. £4 per adult / £1.50 per child (7-18 years) / free for under 7s. www.visitguernsey.com/event/german-naval-signal-hq-guided-tour

Occupation tour of the Royal Court

3, 10, 17, 24 April, 1, 8 May at 6pm

The Royal Court of Guernsey opens to the public with an exclusive tour that includes an explanation of the activities of all modern courts, a presentation on the roles of the Court and the States of Deliberation during the occupation, as well as an opportunity to view the historic Royal Charters. Free but must book in advance on 01481 725 277. www.guernseyroyalcourt.gg / www.visitguernsey.com/event/occupation-tour-royal-court

Evacuation, Occupation, Liberation and the Potato Peel Pie Guided Walk

11, 25 April, 2, 8 May, times vary

Gold accredited local guide Gill Girard offers a guided walk through the cobbled streets, steps and alleyways of St Peter Port while discussing life in Guernsey during the occupation along with the island's long and colourful past. Gill will talk about Guernsey's local history and her family's memories of the occupation, with many references to 'The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society' release and her time spent with the film and production crews.  £10 per person. Book by calling/texting Gill on 07781 104094. www.visitguernsey.com/event/guided-walks-gill-girard

Living off the Land

Sunday 29 April from 10am to 4pm

The Victorian Walled Kitchen Garden in Saumarez Park is recognising the 'The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society' novel, with a one-day event showcasing what it was like to live off the land between 1939 and 1945. Visitors can read personal stories about food from people who lived in Guernsey during that period, learn about optimising seasonal crops without the use of freezers and 'fridges, and taste dishes recreated from original recipes, as well as the park's version of the Roast Pig Dinner and Potato Peel Pie. The day will also include competitions, games, live music, and food stalls. Entry is free. www.walledgarden.gg / www.visitguernsey.com/event/living-land

Molly Bihet – A Child's War Talk

Monday 7 May at 2pm

Local author Molly Bihet will be giving a talk about her first-hand experience of life under German rule during the occupation of the island. Molly was just nine years old when the Nazis arrived in Guernsey in 1940, and stayed on the island with her family throughout the following five years. She wrote her book 'A Child's War' in the 1980s, describing her and her family's experience during that period. The talk is free and held at Les Cotils country house in St Peter Port. Entry is free. www.visitguernsey.com/event/molly-bihet-childs-war-talk

A full list of events and activities, will be available at www.visitguernsey.com/2018-heritage-festival

Package: Channel Islands Direct offers four nights at the 4* Duke of Richmond in St Peter's Port from £315pp by sea from Poole, or from £385pp by air from London Gatwick to coincide with the Guernsey Heritage Festival. The offer includes breakfast and is based on two adults sharing, valid for travel from 1 April.

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For press enquiries please contact Jules Ugo or Georgina Oakley at Lotus on jules@wearelotus.co.uk / georgina@wearelotus.co.uk or call the office on 0207 953 7470