Expats Guide to Channel Islands

Population:	There is a population of 160,000
Capital of Channel Islands:	St Hellier
Official Language:	The official language is English, but some individuals may speak French, Jerriairs or Guernesiasis
Major Cities:	St Anne’s and St Peters Port
Time Zone:	GMT +1
Money:	The currency of the UK is the British pound
Nearest Neighbours:	England, Wales, Scotland, Northern and the Republic of Ireland and France
Religions:	The main religion in Ireland is Christianity
Public Holidays:	New Years Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, May holiday, Liberation day , spring bank holiday, summer bank holiday, boxing day and Christmas day
International Dialling code:	The international dialling code in the Channel Islands is +44
Emergency contact:	112 or 999 for the police or medical services
Closest Airport:	Guernsey Airport and Jersey Airport
Famous Attractions:	Guernsey museum and art gallery, Shell Garden, Jersey Zoo, Jersey Lavender Farm and Elizabeth Castle
Local Food:	Jersey Milk, Jersey royal potatoes, Local wines, beers and seafood

The duchy of Normandy owned the Channel Islands and these were passed to the English crown in 1066 when William the conqueror had become king of England. In 1204 England lost the mainland Normand but the islands were kept of the crowns which were later divided into two bailiwicks.

The native islanders of Norman French and the British extraction make up the population of the Channel Islands with a total of around 160,000.

Whether you are going there alone or with your family, you will always find something/somewhere to go to be entertained. From many beaches, museums and art galleries to be found.

Jersey

Several people move to Jersey simply for the sun as there is more sun than in the UK, this makes it one the most popular expat destinations and tourist attractions in the Channel islands. It has a varied history with many wars and ant attacks over numerous centuries. With that being said, there is a mixture of both the British and French cultures which is known for the sandy beaches, historic castles, inland valleys and Cliffside’s.  It has a thriving financial, tourist and agriculture industries and has been the biggest of the Channel Islands over 8,000 years – It is closer to France than England with the North West coast of France being 22KM away and the south of England being over 140KM.

Moving to Jersey may prove difficult for some expats especially with the government wanting to keep the population at around 85,000. Along with this, buying or investing in property has been made easier by the government for people who live on the island so that they have better access to homes and apartments which means tourists and expats will find it difficult to acquire real estate.

The healthcare system is a priority in Jersey and the facilities are sufficient for medical procedures, however those who have a serious condition they will be required to go to the mainland for care. The cost of living may be higher for Americans as it is on the British pound, but expats who are earning well and those that can afford to live in Jersey will have a great experience.

As well as all the tourist attractions, there are many shopping centres and entertainment choices that can be found. For those who enjoy going to pubs and cafes there is a wide range to choose from along with all the nightlife.

Weather

The weather in Jersey is more beautiful compared to the mainland of England and the island is the hottest place in the British Isles throughout the summer. July is the hottest month with temperatures from 17°C and the coldest is in January with temperatures at 6°C.

Popular Tourist Attractions in Jersey

1. Elizabeth castle
2. Mont Orgueil
3. Jersey Zoo
4. Tamba Park
5. St Brelades Bay beach
6. Jersey War Tunnels
7. Corbiere Lighthouse
8. Samares Manor
9. Battery Lothringen
10. Greve de Lecq

Alderney

Alderney is a unique holiday destination which is around 40 minutes from the UK and has a relaxed French feel. It is the northernmost of the populated Channel Islands which is the third largest island – part of the Bailiwick of Guernsey.

Those that are looking for an improved work life with benefits of a low tax regime, Alderney could be the place to move to. It offers friendly and welcoming surrounding to businesses due to the great communications.

The first airport in the Channel Islands was built here in 1983 and is the closest airport to the South coast of England.

Residents in Alderney enjoy sports here and some of the main sports include fishing, golf and many water sports. Expats residing here will find that there are air races taking places in the month of September where aircrafts compete to go into the finals of the European Air Racing championship. This generally involves high circuits round the airfield.

Weather

The hottest month in Alderney is August when there are temperatures of 17°C and the coldest is in July with temperatures starting from 6°C. In December there is rainfall being the wettest month in the year.

Popular tourist attractions in Alderney

1. Naval direction Tower
2. Alderney Society museum
3. Quesnard lighthouse
4. Saye Bay
5. St Annes church
6. Longis beach
7. Corblets beach

Guernsey

Guernsey is an island in the English Channel off the coast of Normandy, with tons of smaller nearby islands; it forms a jurisdiction within the Bailiwick of Guernsey. The jurisdiction is made up of ten parishes on the island, three other inhabited islands and many small islets and rocks. The population of Guernsey is estimated 63,026 from 2016 with the median age for males is 40 years and females is 42 years.

Guernsey has been a tourist destination since the Victorian days with its sandy beaches, cliff walks, seascapes and offshore islands. The military history of the island has left a range of meaningful buildings including Castle Cornet Guernsey loophole towers, Fort Grey and a large number of German museums.

Popular tourist attractions in Guernsey

1. Castle Cornet
2. Lihou
3. Fort Hommet
4. Hauteville House
5. Little Chapel
6. Victor Hugo House

Weather

The annual weather averages with August being the hottest month in Guernsey with an average temperature of 17°C and the coldest is February at 6°C with the most daily sunshine.. However the wettest month is January.

The utilities such as Electricity, Gas and Water in the Channel Islands are mainly provided by the governmental authorities and two main providers.

Electricity

France imports the electricity to the Channel Islands through an underwater cable and runs on 240-volt system.  This is circulated by the Jersey electricity company with affordable rates. The network is spread across the Channel Islands and is called the Channel Islands Electricity Grid (CIEG) and is operated by the two channel island companies which it is distributed by – Guernsey Electricity and Jersey Electricity. Other small islands electricity is managed by the local authorities.

The majority of the electricity used in Guernsey and jersey is supplied by the French energy utility company – EDF. Tariffs and rates may vary for both electricity and gas with some being fixed.  The electricity companies can provide a tariff to suit electricity needs from heating and lighting.  To pay for bills, this can be done fairly quickly, whether it is online or through direct debit.

Gas

The gas in the Channel Islands is distributed across both Jersey and Guernsey and is owned by IEG (International Energy Group), these are both operated by the subsidiaries Jersey Gas and Guernsey Gas.  The gas that is used is bought from international wholesale markets and is then distributed through the local gas companies.

There are two main suppliers in the Channel Islands which run the distribution and transmissions – these are Guernsey Gas and Jersey Gas.

Gas is distributed to local homes and businesses in two ways. Those with a mains gas will have a network of underground mains through the production plant where the gas is processed. While others will need to have a refillable gas cylinder which is filled and reliable gas is delivered to the customer’s door. Some properties are however connected to the gas mains supply.

Water

The water supply comes from Jersey water or Guernesy water as there is no natural water resources it is reliant on the surface water for the main water supply. The amount that is paid is related to the rental costs of the property expats are living in. So the more rent you pay, the more you will pay for water supply. Expats will find that some properties will have their own water supply.

The requirements for expats moving to the Channel Islands are the same as the UK visa requirements. There are no immigration controls between the UK and a passport will not be required. It is recommended that a photo ID is taken for customs and immigration, airlines or ferry companies.

Those with a Non-EU passport will be required to show a valid passport to immigration on arrival to the Channel Islands. Those who are visiting, studying or working will need the appropriate visa and if expats don’t have this they will be refused entry.

You will not need immigration permission to live in Jersey if:

• You are a British Citizen
• The holder of an EEA family permit
• A Swiss national
• A national of a member state of the EU/EEA

Expats from other countries will require a visa in spite of the reason to stay in Channel Island. The Channel Islands visa requirements will be the same as the UK requirements and expats can visit the UK visas website to find out if a visa is needed. A visa must be applied for before travelling and it should be applied via the British Diplomatic Post in the country that you reside in.

There are other requirements expats may need to meet in certain categories to gain entry to the Island. Some of the categories include:

• General visitor
• Visitor for the purpose of marriage/civil partnership
• Business visitor.

General Visitor

Individuals who are a general visitor must show that they:

• Will be leaving at the end of the period of the visit as stated
• Will not be taking up any employment
• Can meet the cost of the return to their country
• Do not intend to undertake a course of study
• Are seeking entry as a general visitor for a set amount of time – not exceeding 6 months or 12 months.
• Will not be marrying or form a civil partnership
• Do not plan to receive private medical treatment during visit

Business Visitor

A business visitor is able to live and work abroad with no intention of transferring to the Channel Islands permanently or for a short period of time.

Marriage/ Civil Partnership

Expats must meet requirements for entry as general visitor, but those wanting to marry or enter a civil partnership will need to show:

• A valid visa for entry
• The notice of marriage/civil partnership within the entry period
• Evidence of the arrangements for the notice of marriage or civil partnership ceremony which will be taking place.

Individuals who have come to the Channel Islands and want to extend their stay can get permission if they have temporary permission to stay. Those who are in the Channel Islands as a visitor cannot extend their stay for more than six months.

There are Jersey immigration rules which are set up and individuals must meet in order to apply for an extension.

Permission to stay in Jersey will not be needed if you are:

• A British Citizen
• A Swiss national
• National of a member state of the EU/EEA
• Overseas national with no restriction attached to their stay.

Work Permits

Work permits are considered for those who are working as

• Entertainers
• Healthcare professionals
• Finance and Legal professionals
• Digital sectors

Individuals who have secured jobs in the Channel Islands4 will need a work permit. This should be applied for by your employer before arrival. Guidelines will need to be followed and if the employer’s application for the work permit is successful a visa may also be required.

Expats who are a commonwealth citizen going to the Channel Islands for a working holiday will not need a work permit but you will need to get entry clearance before arriving. If you have the relevant skills, you are welcome to look for work in the Channel Islands.

It may take up to three weeks to process a work permit application, the employer must allow enough time for this to be issued before travelling to the Islands.

The main employment sectors in the Channel Islands are tourism, agriculture and banking. Banking is especially attractive to expats moving here as it has a constructive tax environment. However, unless expats are British Citizens, they will need to prove that they have skills and experience which is not found in the local workforce.

Expats may find it difficult to find work in the Channel Islands due to the low unemployment rates, however, there is a number of agencies who can help with job applications and find work with potential employers.

Some recruitment agencies around the Channel Islands include:

• Park Personnel – https://park.je/temping?gclid=CLnu9PW869MCFYwK0wodzcQD3A
• ASL Recruitment – https://www.asl-jersey.co.uk/
• Situation recruitment agency – https://www.situations.gg/

Other ways of finding work in the Channel Islands includes online job websites, newspaper ads, word of mouth and emailing or handing out CV’s.

The Channel Islands are open to applications from many people including all skilled people, but preference may be first given to those who have been on the Island for longer than five years, for those who were born here and whose parents were born in Jersey or are registered, residents.

The business culture in the Channel Islands has been subjective to British and the French customs.

Facts about working in Channel Islands

• Business hours: Working hours in the Channel Islands is usually Monday – Friday between 9-5pm.
• Business language: The main language spoken is English but French is also spoken frequently
• Dress Code: Those working in Channel Islands dress professionally but the dress code varies from company to company.
• Greeting: Expats are advised to not address colleagues by their first names until asked to do so

The property market in the Channel Islands is not so straight forward as other countries as the housing is restricted in Jersey and Guernsey with house permits only being given to expats who are able to fill gaps or bring proceeds to the Islands.

Those who are unable to get a government housing permit will need to live in private homes and with the accommodation and space being limited the demands for houses are high which makes it hard for expats to find properties. Prices of houses in the Channel Islands are generally three times higher than in the UK and when contacting estate agents they don’t usually demand payment of the person who is looking for property. The sellers of the house will need to pay the agents commission once the property has been sold.

It is advised that real estate agents, property lawyers and immigration specialists are contacted so that they c7an help find the best home within your budget without much difficulty.

Top tips for buying property:

1. Reach an agreement: Once the perfect property has been found, a purchase price should be agreed. The seller’s lawyer will then be required to prepare all the documents along with a draft contract.
2. Consent: This will be needed from the housing minister to buy, rent or lease out property in the Channel Islands. This application will need to be made by yourself, estate agent or lawyer.
3. Your lawyer will then need to follow a number of steps to complete the property purchase,

Your lawyer will take a number of steps to assist you with your purchase including; 

• Title: Your appointed lawyer will need to check the person who is selling the property is the owner – As well as this lawyer’s will also check if there are any rights or claims over the property.
•  Letters: The minister for planning & environment, utility companies and the parish will need to be contacted for checks about the property 

• Site visit: Your appointed lawyer will need to visit the property to check the boundaries
• Surveys: This is required by the bank before a mortgage is agreed
• Court: The lawyer and seller may need to attend or be represented before the Royal Court to pass a contract.

• Paying for property: Payment of the property should be paid for no later than the Tuesday following the sale. Whilst this is processed the contract is passed in the court.
• Stamp Duty: Your appointed lawyer will calculate the stamp duty which is payable on your property purchase
• Possession: Buyers are given property on the day of the passing of the contract. Keys will then be handed over in court once the contract is passed.

 

In the Channel Islands, there are three schooling systems available

1. Free states of Jersey schools
2. Fee paying states of jersey schools
3. Private fee-paying schools

It is compulsory for children to attend school when they have turned five and usually places are offered at the beginning of the school year when their fifth birthday falls.

In the Channel Islands, the education system differs to the UK as expats will need to take into account the exact location of their new home before choosing schooling options for children. When it comes to public or state schools in both Jersey and Guernsey they are very similar to England when following the same curriculum and assure to offer high standards of education for the same ages back in the UK.

There is a handful of selection of non-fee paying primary and secondary schools including some that offer per-school classes. Expats can also decide to send their children to one of a few of the independent private schools; however, these can be far more expensive than in the UK. Jersey has a college for further education and a university centre, Highlands College, which offers a variety of part-time and evening courses.

When applying for a place in a school you will be required to show the following

• Proof of address
• Proof of child’s identity
• Completed admission for
• Child’s birth certificate

The registration for reception should be done in November, the year before a child is due to start school.

Parents who wish to apply for a school which is not in your area will need to a request and send a registration of interest to the catchment school. Places will only be offered based on the space available and the admissions criteria. If the child is not accepted in the catchment school, they will be offered a place in a school which may not have been one of the choices.

Fee paying and private schools

Expats who want to send their child to a private school or a fee-paying school will need to contact the school directly to apply as they manage their own admissions. Here you will be able to find out information about the costs and the admissions process

Students who are looking to go to university aiming to get a degree are more than likely to choose to complete their tertiary education in the UK.

Channel Islands healthcare is just as good as the system in England and Western Europe. The two bailiwicks have separate healthcare services and only Jersey has a mutual agreement in place with the UK. This means that expats from other countries will need to pay for medical expenses which are outside of the general care

Those on the Guernsey healthcare system will be required to pay for medical treatment even for emergencies. Due to this, expats are advised to get private medical insurance which can cover most medical services.

The healthcare systems here have different rules to the UK and other countries, when you first move to Channel Islands you will need to pay for most of the healthcare.

Expats will need to pay for:

• GP visits
• Treatment and other related costs i.e., travel costs
• Non-emergency treatments at the hospital

Expats will not need to pay for

• Treatment in the Emergency Department of hospitals

There are no reciprocal health agreements with other countries other than the UK, so it is advised that medical insurance is taken out before moving

Health Cards

A health card can be obtained once you have lived in the Island for six months or more. This will allow individuals to get discounted GP costs although the rest of the payment will need to be paid by you.  In the first six months of living in Channel Islands, individuals will need to pay for the full cost when visiting a GP. After these six months, if social security contributions are paid the health card can be applied for. It is important that expats register with the Social Security Department as soon as they have arrived to the Island.

French nationals can get a health card straight away due to the agreement between Jersey and France.

The health card will only apply to GP visits and prescriptions

To get a health card you will need to take a photo ID to the social security office, this can be done straight away.

Emergency Treatment

The emergency treatment which is provided at the Emergency department is free.

Those who do not meet the requirement in the policy will be required to pay for:

• Non-emergency follow on treatment which is needed to be provided by the Emergency Department
• Emergency treatment which is provided outside of the ED

Non-emergency hospital treatment will need to paid for as well as social services unless certain requirements are met

Guernsey Healthcare

The main medical centre in Guernsey is the Princess Elizabeth Hospital, this has an accident and emergency department as well as dental, physiotherapy and maternity services.

Expats who are not from the UK will need to cover all costs including dentist visits and ambulance transfers.

Jersey Healthcare

Expats who are from the UK are legible to get free medical services in Jersey, however will need to pay for prescription and dental appointments. Other nationalities will be expected to pay for their own medical expenses or are advised to get private health insurance.

The biggest health care facility is the General hospital which provides a cardiology, maternity units and a 24 hour emergency unit.

Emergency Services

The ambulance and rescue services operate the islands only service which provides cover for emergency and accidents as well as paramedic responses for 24 hours. These services are free to those who are a member of the ambulance subscription scheme

Channel Islands Pharmacies

There are many pharmacies across the islands with all the hospitals and doctors surgeries having a pharmacy on site. Prescriptions must be paid in full for those who have not been here for six months. Majority of the prescriptions are free but there are some exceptions. Those who require a list of items that are free on a prescription can contact the social security department.

Expats will find that Channel Islands have many branches of banks which are available worldwide such as Lloyds and Barclays along with many other local and international banks.

Only a few banks in the Channel Islands are set up for foreign exchange deals and expats will need to do their research before joining one of the banks. The popular banks are Lloyds, Barclays, Royal bank of Scotland and Midland banks which have around four branches in Jersey and Guernsey. These British banks are the best options for personal banking on the islands.

The banks in Channel Islands have made it an international financial centre with head offices in the UK and Switzerland. These all provide more or less the same services such as mortgages, personal loans, savings accounts and debit/credit cards.

ATM’s are found located at branches in Jersey and Guernsey but may be harder to find on the smaller islands.

Currency in Channel Islands

The official currency is the Channel Islands is the pound sterling divided into 100 pence. However, the bailiwicks of Jersey and Guernsey produce their own notes and coins which cannot be used outside the islands.

• Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 pence, and 1 GGP/JEP
• Notes: 1, 5, 10, 20 and 50 GGP/JEP

Taxes in the Channel Islands are low and no VAT or capital gain tax is applied. Due to this, expats are attracted to this and move here with it being a tax haven. However, the governing tax law is always changing making it stricter, for this reason, expats moving to the Channel Islands are advised to get advice from a tax expert.

Currently, the personal tax income rate is at 20%, this is also applied to the tax adjusted profits of sole traders.

Exemption thresholds are in place for those on a low income from paying tax and there is no high rate band, inheritance tax or capital gain tax.

 

Using public transport is a common way of getting around and the Channel Islands have good transport links which make it easier to get around with the network of public transport that is available.

Public Transport

Expats moving to the Channel Islands will want to know what the means of transport are especially when wanting to explore the islands or getting to know the routes to get to your workplace.

Buses

The Islands Jersey and Guernsey have resourceful bus services with local bus services provided in local areas across these islands.  These definitely offer a cost effective option with frequent services.

The main routes in Jersey are connected through the Liberation Station in St Hellier which has a total number of 19 bus routes available across the islands. Bus Fares are usuall dependant on the distance of the journey and can be brought from the driver which boarding.

With Jersey being a small size it makes it more ideal to explore the island on a bus with the top destinations and country lines, family attractions to be seen.

Guernsey has bus routes which offer services across the island taking you to the most of the places to see and attractions.

For details on the services and timetables these can be found on the Jersey buses and Guernsey Buses

Trains

Railway services are available in Alderney which is only two miles long and is run regularly at seasonal periods. Other than this, other railway services are currently not available.

Taxis

Taxis can be found on both the main islands and can be caught from the designated ranks or even booked beforehand.

Ferries

This is one of the popular ways in getting to an Island and inter-island ferry connections are available with regular services to France.

Cycling

A popular transport method which is used around the world as well as the Cannel Islands. Expats who enjoy cycling will find that Guernsey have a few dedicated cycles lanes which are based on the main roads and Jersey which has a sign posted island for cycle networks.

There are many quiet countryside roads and cycling provides a cost effecting way of seeing the beautiful scenes taking in the tourist attractions.

Guernsey has a number of hiring companies where people can rent a bicycle to explore the scenic islands which can be explored at your own leisure.

Air Travel

There are major airports in both of the islands Jersey and Guernsey which can be accessed via a bus or a taxi. Flights between the islands are up to 15 minutes long but those who want to travel to Herm, Sark or Alderney should do by a ferry.

The UK has good air travel links with the Channel Islands and is quite regular from Gatwick, Southend and Luton airport to Jersey airport. Airline operators include  – Flybe, BMI, Air Berlin, Aer Lingus and easyJet.

Driving in the Channel Islands is done on the left-hand side of the road and you will find that the roads are quite narrow with speed limits also being low.

The road networks are fairly good in Guernsey and Jersey, however, the smaller islands of the Channel Islands are car-free zones with main transport being bicycles and horse carts.

Expats wanting to drive here should take into consideration that there are many challenges they will face such as parking, fuel being expensive and distance being short. Those who have parked in the wrong place or go over their parking time will be fined.

If you want to drive in the Channel Islands, you will be expected to apply for a license. This can be done via the local Jersey and Guernsey traffic authorities. Driving permits from the UK or internationally will not be accepted. As well as this, expats will need to have a certificate of insurance or an international green card, a valid driving license or an international driving permit

Individuals who become a resident of the Channel Islands will need to exchange their foreign driving license.

How to apply for a driving license

To apply for a driving license, you will be required to have a valid driving license for the vehicle you will be driving and the license application should be taken to the parish hall along with

• Completed application form
• One passport sized colour photograph
• License fee – (£50 for a full license)

Speed limits in the Channel Islands

The speed limits vary around the islands depending on the road surfaces

Speed limit through the island is 40mph

Stretches of road/Built up areas – 20/30 mph

Roads designated as green lanes – 15mph

Moving to the Channel Islands does not have to be a stressful process, with different removal companies being available to help the process of moving become more smooth. The professional teams can speak to you about your requirements and about storage if required if only moving to the Channel Islands for a few months.

Some removal companies include:

• http://www.randrguernsey.com/ –
• Removals Jersey
• Pickford
• Good Moves

 

Expats will not be deprived of all the news stories when in the Channel Islands as English papers are delivered in the morning of the day of printing by air. Keeping in touch with family and friends is also easy with the means of telephones and internet available.

Telephone

The phone lines are handled by Guernsey telecoms which has services for the island as well as the smaller islands such as Alderney, Serk and Herm. The telephone code is 1481 which should be dialled after +44 when calling an island from other countries.

The local telephone line in Jersey however is operated by the states of Jersey Telecommunications department. A monthly telephone charge is available which expats are able to make unlimited local calls. Bills will vary depending on what tariff and service you have selected.  The telephone code for Jersey is 1534 and the outgoing international code is 00

Internet

Most properties around the Channel Islands will have WIFI internet access but however this cannot be guaranteed.

There is a network of internet connectivity worldwide which is done through a spider web of undersea fibre optic cables which connects the islands together. However, people may still experience slow speed connectivity. As well as this, individuals accessing the internet may find it will get cut off from time to time.

One of the telecoms operators are JT, these serve the English Channel islands of Jersey and Guernsey which also provide 4G mobile and fixed broadband line services.

Throughout Channel Islands there are many things to do for example  sports, entertainment, movie theatre and art.

Sports– there are many sporting places located around Channel Islands available for all ages. The most popular place is Les Ormes Resort where there are outdoor and indoor sporting activities for all ages. Aqua Splash is another sporting leisure available for everyone who enjoys swimming and having fun at water parks.

Entertainment- Channel Islands has a range of entertainment available for all ages such as cinema, go karting and bowling however the best more popular entertainment location is Creepy Valley Adventure Centre. This is a popular location for both kids and adults who love swinging around and having fun like animals, it is an adventure course including aerial trekking, king swing, zip lining and power fan jump.

Museums- there are over 15 different museums in Channel Islands which are very popular by tourist visiting.

Restaurants and Cafes- From beach cafes to chic restaurants, farm stalls to village delis, Channel Island is packed with amazing eating experiences.

Sightseeing- Channel Islands has many must see attractions such as Mont Orgueil Castle, Elizabeth Castle which is a 16^th century fortress on a rocky islet, Jersey zoo wildlife park and the La Hougue Bie this is where Neolithic tomb and archaeological findings are found.

As a small island famous for its food, Channel Islands is always bursting with flavour and authentic new recipes. The Channel Islands traditional food is seafood due to being surrounded by the sea, this is the most important part of the cuisine of Jersey as it is directly next to the sea. Seafood such as mussels, oysters, lobster, shellfish, crabs and spider crabs are considered a speciality of the delicacy. Most popular dishes from the Channel Islands are:

• Bean Crock
• Nettle Soup
• Jersey wonders
• Cabbage loaf
• Jersey Royal potatoes

Expats will find other cuisines such as Indian, Chinese and Caribbean as well as the Jersey dishes available. The Channel Islands are also very popular for their cider, apple brandy and wine that is served with their evening meals.

There are many events in the Channel Islands that allow residents and visitors to socialise and participant with the culture.

Jersey Festival of Motoring– The Rubis Jersey International Motoring Festival is the largest yearly motoring event in the Channel Islands which take places between 1^st– 4^th June 2017, it includes competitive sprint and hill climbs for classic and vintage cars and motorcycles.

Alderney week– Alderney Week is the Channel Islands biggest carnival and community festival of the year which is taking place on 5^th-12^th August 2017, this carnival is entertaining for all ages by having loads of live music, huge entertainment for the kids, parties and wild events for the whole family to enjoy.

Battle of flowers– The Jersey Battle of Flowers has become one of the largest floral carnivals in Europe which take place of the 10^th and 11^th August 2017.

The West Show- This event takes place on 16^th and 17^th August, celebrating over 100 years of agricultural and horticultural tradition Channel Islands locals always get involved with this event through the different competitions, evening entertainment, local costumes and fairground rides.

International Air Display– the Jersey skies enjoy the annual air display on the 14^th September 2017, attracting thousands of local residents and visitors to enjoy the most breath-taking event of the year.

CAMRA Jersey Beer and Cider Festival- This yearly festival is the most entertaining event for all adults with at least 90 different ales, a large range of ciders, perries and foreign beers and lagers. There is also food and entertainment from live bands throughout the event.

Channel Islands Festival of Food and Drink– all foodies will adore this massive gourmet event which is held every May featuring celebrity chefs, tasting and demonstrations of amazing foods.

La Fete de Musique de Ville- Held at the end of July in Guernsey, this week-long carnival presents street performers, live music and fun activities for all the family.

Fete de Noue– December’s Fete de Noue is part of the Christmas season in Jersey. Beginning December with a lantern and floral parade and street entertainment, street musicians, carol concerts, brass bands, traditional markets, and al-fresco food stalls.

Rock the Rock– this event is all about raising the roof whilst raising money for charity; rock the rock is in aid of those who need it by getting the whole community involved to enjoy the rocking entertainment.