The annual Corn Riot celebrations return for a third consecutive year in Jersey's Royal Square.
The Jersey Corn Riots Festival is again bringing the community together to celebrate the island's rich history and culture - L’Esprit Jèrriais (The Jersey spirit)!
The festival is held on Saturday 28 September and Sunday 29 September in the Royal Square.
Islanders are invited to join the free celebrations with a fantastic line-up of Jersey bands and local food.
Corn Riots Festival 2023 Credit: Government of Jersey
What's on?
Saturday 28 September 2024
| 1pm- | Jim's House | Heavy prog-rock prodigies and rising stars, Jims House. Under 18's Battle of the Band Winners 2023, Les Amis 'Amplify' winners 2024. |
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| 1.40pm- | Intergalactic Space Funk | Eclectic Afrobeats with a fresh energy featuring PWC Young Musician of the Year winner, 'Dr Flute'. |
| 2.05pm- | The Salute | A rousing, energetic riot of rock! |
| 2.25pm- | Monday Club | Showcasing the impressive, awe-inspiring talents of vocalist Ruby, supported by Tama and Martin. |
| 2.50pm- | 4K | Winners of Under 18's, 2024 Battle of the Bands. Prepare to be rocked. |
| 3.25pm- | Why We Corn Riots | A talk by historic character Colonel Rudolph Bentinck explaining the history and the significance of the Corn Riots. |
| 3.40pm- | Les Chaboleurs and Jèrriais Youth Choir | Traditional songs and dances with Les Chaboleurs dancers and the Jèrriais junior choir. |
| 4.20pm- | Ballet d'Jèrri | Time for a very special moment - get close up with the dancers of Ballet d'Jèrri, Jersey's National Ballet. |
| 4.45pm- | Mêli-Mêlo | A mish-mash of traditional and modern songs with an upbeat folky vibe; all sung in Jersey's wonderful native language - Jèrriais! |
| 5.15pm- | Brass Souls | Brass Street band, swanky tunes, loveable vibes. |
| 5.55pm- | The Business | Ska hits galore and brimming with rippling Hammond, swanky brass, and no-nonsense vocals, driven by an excellent rhythm section. This is The Business! |
| 6.55pm- | Gonzo Gypsy Good Time Band | Does what it says on the tin! Excitable good time gypsy punk and folk vibes. |
| 7.55pm- | Dodgy Jammers | Acid Jazz grooves, Japanese fusion, funk and soul. |
| 8.55pm- | Brick House | Disco and funk party favourites! |
Sunday 29 September 2024
| 11.30am- | Cigale Do Brazil | Drummers will parade down the high street in the morning. They perform in the Royal Square at 2.30pm. |
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| 12.30pm- | The Progressive Choir | Powerful community choir led by Emily Thomas bringing songs you'll love; a wall of happiness for our Sunday. The Progressive Choir is a part of JLPA (Jodie Lee Performing Arts Academy). |
| 1.30pm- | Youth arts Jersey Guitar Club and Choir | Youth Arts Jersey have been working hard and now boast both a Guitar Club and complimentary choir. Stick around and join in! |
| 2.10pm- | The Ferals | In their first public performance, we welcome laid back, authentic and original pop and folk songs with Cody and Kate Cunningham and their band. |
| 2.35pm- | Cigale Do Brazil | Explosive rhythms and cheeky fun in the Royal Square with this samba band from France! |
| 3.30pm- | Midnight Joanna | Channelling the spirit of Billy Joel and Elton John with something altogether new and exciting. Excerpts from an original stage show written and produced by Ant Noel. |
| 4.30pm- | The Naboteans | Trad folk, trad instruments and an earthy, grounded sound that will have your heart thumping and your feet stamping. |
| 5.20pm- | Talking Harvest | A talk by Dougie Richardson linking Corn Riots, agriculture and tractors! |
| 5.40pm- | Gurnslinger | Mad Max inspired gas guzzling hard rock energy in this guitar based V12 of a band. With a reputation that precedes them, they'll play chords that smell like burnt rubber. |
| 6.30pm- | Kacey Godfray | Fall in love with singer-songwriter Kacey's heartfelt songs and soul touching voice. |
| 7.15pm- | Perchard's Wall | These are the good time boys! Rounding off Corn Riots 2024, we are delighted to party with Perchard's Wall. |
Corn Riot Festival 2023 Credit: Government of Jersey
History of The Corn Riots
The Corn Riots Festival first took place in September 2021. The celebrations marked the 250th anniversary of the major legislative reform that transformed society in Jersey as a result of the Corn Riots.
It was next held in 2022 and was expanded to include more educational and culinary events during the build-up. It is an annual celebration of Jersey’s history, language, creativity and an expression of its potential to change the Island.
The Corn Riots of 1769 were a response to skyrocketing grain prices and food shortages that plagued Jersey's inhabitants. Frustrated by the rising cost of corn and bread, local citizens took to the streets in protest. They demanded that the government take action to regulate prices and ensure access to affordable food.
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