Liberation Day Tea Tent Performer Open Call

Wednesday 01 April 2026

The States of Guernsey Liberation Day Organising Committee, in partnership with Guernsey Arts, have launched an open call for art organisations, artists, entertainers, DJs or performers who might want to 'take over' the Liberation Day Tea Tent for the evening of 9 May as part of this year's Liberation Day celebrations.

While the main stage on the Albert Pier will host live bands, the Tea Tent on Crown Pier offers an opportunity to present an alternative, contrasting experience. The team are particularly keen to hear from acts whose work appeals to 18-30-year-olds.

Helen Glencross, MBE, Head of Culture & Heritage Services, said:

"Part of pulling together the Liberation Day programme is ensuring we are maximising every opportunity for commemoration and celebration. We are passionate that every Liberation Day is special, and this year will be no exception.

"In a recent planning meeting, we decided that the Tea Tent - which would otherwise be sitting dormant in the evening - could present an exciting opportunity for local arts organisations, DJs, musicians or performers to take ownership of. Being a free space right at the centre of St Peter Port's Liberation Day programme, we've jumped at the chance to offer it out in case it is of interest.

"We will provide the venue for free; the rest is entirely up to you. We hope it presents an exciting opportunity for someone who wants to connect with the community in a truly memorable way."

Local creatives from all disciplines are invited to propose how they might 'take over' the space with performances for the evening.

This could include, but is not limited to:

• DJ, club sets or late-evening music
• Acoustic or unplugged music sets
• Spoken word, poetry or storytelling
• Theatre, cabaret or comedy
• Dance or movement-based work
• Interactive or immersive experiences
• Family-friendly workshops or drop-in activities Proposals should consider the informal nature of the Tea Tent environment, with a focus on accessibility and audience engagement. The team are interested in ideas that provide a creative counterpoint to the atmosphere of the Albert Pier music stage.

Deputy Andy Cameron, Vice-President and Liberation Day Lead for the Committee for Education, Sport and Culture, said:

"Liberation Day should evolve as well as commemorate. Alongside the traditional programme, we want to see a vibrant evening atmosphere that appeals to younger islanders. The Tea Tent is a perfect space for DJs and contemporary acts to create that energy and bring a new audience into the celebrations.

"We'd also encourage local businesses to get behind this opportunity, whether through sponsorship or support, to help create something really special for the community."

Russ Fossey, Head of Arts Development for Guernsey Arts, said:

"This is an invitation to connect with an engaged audience in a truly unique setting. The Tea Tent is a venue to perhaps do something unexpected, intimate and vibrant - it's a way to make a mark on one of the most important days of the year for our island. I hope offering a free, high-profile venue is an exciting 'takeover' offer for someone in our community."

Submission Guidelines

Applicants are invited to submit a short proposal (max. 500 words) outlining:

• The nature of the performance or activity
• Intended audience and age suitability
• Any previous relevant experience or examples of work Please include technical requirements (if any) and preferred duration and timings.

Specifications

• The Tea Tent will be located on Crown Pier. It measures 24m x 7m and will contain seating and tables for 150 people. These can be rearranged as required.
• Power will be available.
• The tent will be available from approximately 6pm for setup, until 10:45pm. The proposal does not need to fill the whole evening.
• Performers/artists should note that the Tea Tent is not completely soundproof; sound from other celebrations including the entertainment on the Albert Pier may travel, and it is recommended a break is included for the fireworks display which will begin at 9:15pm.
• The entertainment can be free, or ticketed. All ticketing processes (including any 'on the door' processes and payments) would be managed entirely by the performer, and they would keep all profits.
• Use, additional support and technical specifications will be subject to discussions regarding the performer/artists' responsibilities and will be developed with the support of the States of Guernsey Liberation Day Organising Committee and Guernsey Arts. The deadline for submission is 9am, Monday 13 April. Submissions should be sent to info@liberationday.gg. Applicants will hear if they are successful by Friday 17 April.

If you have questions or requirements you'd like to explore before submitting your proposal, you are welcome to email the team who will be happy to discuss further with you.