New Year’s Day in Guernsey
New Year’s Day is a public holiday in Guernsey, with local law setting out what happens when 1 January falls at the weekend. In St Peter Port, the day also has a civic observance: parish records describe a New Year’s reception and toast to the sovereign.[1][2]
A public holiday under Guernsey law
Guernsey’s Public Holidays Ordinance lists New Year’s Day as a public holiday when 1 January falls on a weekday. The law provides for 2 January to be a public holiday when New Year’s Day falls on a Sunday, and 3 January when it falls on a Saturday. The ordinance defines a weekday as Monday to Friday, so Saturday itself is not included in that definition.[1]
This legal status identifies the day as a public holiday. Check your employment terms for information about leave and pay.[1]
A civic observance in St Peter Port
New Year’s Day is marked in St Peter Port by a reception described in the parish’s official booklet. The gathering is held in the Brock Room at the Constables’ Offices after the Bailiff’s reception. The booklet says it is usually attended by the Lieutenant Governor, the Bailiff and Deputy Bailiff, the Dean, deputies and St Peter Port parishioners, and that a toast is raised to the sovereign.[2]
This is a documented parish observance, rather than evidence of a single island-wide ceremony or a particular custom followed by all residents.[2]
Planning for the holiday
Opening arrangements can differ by service and season. Visit Guernsey states that its Visitor Information Centre is closed on Sundays and bank holidays during its winter opening period, and has shorter hours on bank holidays in summer.[3]
No stable New Year’s Day timetable is given here for buses, ferries or flights, and opening arrangements vary. Check directly with the service you plan to use, and with shops or public services before visiting.
New Year’s Day in Guernsey: common questions
Is New Year’s Day a public holiday in Guernsey?
Yes. Guernsey’s Public Holidays Ordinance designates New Year’s Day as a public holiday, with alternate dates provided when 1 January falls on a weekend.[1]
What happens if 1 January falls on a Saturday or Sunday?
The ordinance provides for 3 January to be a public holiday if 1 January is a Saturday, and 2 January if it is a Sunday.[1]
Does every worker automatically get the day off?
The ordinance designates the public holiday. Check your employment terms for information about leave and pay.[1]
Is there a New Year’s ceremony in Guernsey?
St Peter Port’s parish booklet records a New Year’s reception at the Constables’ Offices, where attendees usually include parish and island figures and a toast is raised to the sovereign.[2]
Are shops and public services open?
The Visitor Information Centre has separate bank-holiday hours. Check with each shop or public service before visiting.[3]
Do buses run on a holiday timetable?
Check the current bus timetable with the operator before travelling.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for New Year's Day in Guernsey:
- PROJET DE LOI- States of Guernsey, Parliament
- St Peter Port Douzaine- St Peter Port Douzaine
- Visitor Information Centre- Visit Guernsey, States of Guernsey