21 September 2023
The Corn Riots Festival returns next weekend with a focus on the Island’s native Norman language,
Jèrriais.
As in previous years, the festival will feature live performances from local bands on stage in the
Royal Square. This year, the weekend (Saturday 30 September and Sunday 1 October) will also
feature a children’s choir, and a public sing-and-play-along, both performing Jèrriais songs.
Islanders can get the chord changes and lyrics by going to gov.je/CornRiots, in preparation for the
Musical Riot Play Along at 12:45pm on Sunday. The page also includes the full schedule of
performers, along with information on how to learn Jèrriais.
The Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture, Deputy Kirsten Morel, said:
“The Corn Riots Festival is a celebration of Jersey’s modern cultural identity, and I would love
people to use it to learn a few words of Jèrriais and to get involved. Who knows – this could be the
first step to some people learning our wonderful language. The event has become an annual
celebration of Jersey’s culture and history, and I hope everyone will come and join in.”
The riots, which prompted 1771 reforms in Jersey’s government, took place on 28 September 1769.
In 2021, the inaugural festival marked the 250th anniversary of the major legislative reform that
transformed society in Jersey as a result of the Corn Riots. It has become an annual celebration of
Jersey’s modern cultural identity
gov.je