14 November 2007
La Fete de Noué is bursting full of events this year. Visitors and local residents can experience Christmas markets, festive entertainment and blow the winter blues away on Christmas themed walks.
The festival, which runs until December 23, starts in magical style on December 1 with La Fete de Noué Launch – an enchanting Lantern parade through the heart of Jersey’s capital, St Helier. Other entertainment highlights include the Christmas Battle of the Flowers Parade on December 13; a colourful procession of floats covered in twinkling light accompanied by dancers and on December 20 an Open-Air Christmas Carol Concert in Royal Square, St Helier.
Every weekend in the lead up to Christmas will feature an outdoor market, to include the Spirit of Christmas Market, a Norman French Market and a Genuine Jersey Market. These markets will be held in the Royal Square where there will be a full programme of street theatre taking place throughout the festival.
Economic Development Minister Senator Philip Ozouf said, “Fete de Noué is the climax of the year’s Jersey Tourism event calendar that has been very well received by visitors and islanders alike. We have staged and invested in an extensive programme of events this year including Liberation Day, Battle of Flowers, the International Air Display plus a range of many others and I am determined that they remain at the heart of our effort.”
The Spirit of Christmas Market allows visitors to enjoy the sight, sounds and smell of a traditional market with Christmas spices, mulled wine, preserves, gifts and decorations as well as holly, ivy and mistletoe. ‘Le Marchi Nouormand’ Norman French Market held between December 7th to 9th will fill the air with the sights and smells of Normandy with everything from home made crepes and biscuits to confit and cider. Genuine Jersey is an organisation launched to promote the high quality local produce. At their market shoppers will be able to buy black butter – a unique Jersey speciality made with apples and spices, hand stirred over an open flame and ideal for breakfast on Christmas morning, among other products.
The Fete de Noué Guided trails run from December 3rd to 22nd; on the Tinsel Town Tour on Friday 14th and 21st December guide Hugh Gill tells tales of St Helier’s history while walking through the Victorian markets and the town church. While St Aubin’s Christmas Past and Present on December 22nd involves a leisurely stroll through the picturesque town on market day with stalls from Genuine Jersey Produce and Genuine Jersey Arts and Crafts. The town has an 18th century harbour where walkers can learn about Jersey’s trade throughout the centuries. Walking tickets cost £4 and £7.50 and are available from your guide or Jersey Tourism. Under 16’s are free.
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