From 25 March to 10 May 2016, the Channel Islands Heritage Festival will celebrate a group of small islands with a big history. The six-week festival, in its second year, takes a maritime focus honouring the Islands' coastal significance and naval traditions with a full programme of exclusive openings, guided walks, family adventures and coastal tours. Many events and activities will be held at maritime heritage sites around Guernsey and the isles of Jersey, Alderney, Sark and Herm.
Across Guernsey and the Bailiwick islands of Herm, Sark and Alderney alone there will be 55 events and activities, 42 guided walks, four cycling tours, two coach tours, three boat tours and 11 exhibitions that can be visited and enjoyed over the 45 days. Highlights will include the exclusive opening of the rooftop of Guernsey landmark Fort Grey, display of the Roman shipwreck The Asterix, pirate-themed family adventures at Sausmarez Manor and a series of guided walks, cycle rides and boat excursions. The 2016 festival also marks the 150th anniversary of Victor Hugo's novel, Toilers of the Sea, which was inspired by and set in Guernsey where Hugo spent 15 years in exile from 1855.
