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La Fête des Bêtes was back at St James Guernsey to celebrate the 2026 Mabon, the autumn equinox and midpoint between light and dark.

Featuring live performances spread over two busy nights the audience was able to enjoy Charlie Sherbourne, Falls The Dew, The Basement Preachers, Gnoss, An Dannsa Dub, GU10 and Jersey's Gonzo Gypsy Good Times Band.

Completing the weekend were the headliners Chimera with a raucous Ceilidh which had the whole room bouncing!

And on that note I concede that Mark Helyer was right and I was wrong!

As we waited for Chemira to take to the stage Mark tried to convince me that all those people who had sat out the bands earlier in the night were there specifically for the Ceilidh... I was less convinced!

Then the fun kicked off and the dance floor became packed with more smiling people than I've ever seen at a gig! My education is complete. A Ceilidh = a great time!

I've been sorting out the edit of my photos and the first evening is complete and can be viewed by clicking the link if you are interested:
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE 2026 LA FÊTE DES BÊTES AT ST JAMES

I recently photographed a performance by the first artist in residence at St James Guernsey.

Marina Moore created an experience like no other I have seen and heard.

I use those two terms with equal weight in describing the performance as Marina herself remained unseen apart from her back-lit shadow projected onto a huge screen.

Using violin, viola, looper pedals, soundscapes and Korg MicroKorg Marina created an incredible wall of sound.

The challenge for me was I was unable to photograph (and enjoy) the performance in the 'normal' way... an audience (and photographer) can usually connect visually to the creator of the sound!

It actually took me a while to 'let go' of my expectations and to start to enjoy the experience.

For a while I resisted appreciating the 'whole performance'.

But slowly I started to understand that this was creativity without boundaries and my final verdict was that I was taught a new lesson in how to loosen up and open my mind when pushed outside my comfort zone.... the music was great too!

So what of the photos I was intending to take? Well, I eventually embraced the opportunity to capture something different and I think the result is a series of abstract images that represent an unexpected and unusual night.

A special mention has to go to Marina's collaborators on the night, Charley Kendall (Graphics) Billy Devaney (Lighting) and Ian Allsopp (Sound).

Click the link to view the gallery:
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE MARINA MOORE ISLAND COMPOSITION

As I add the final galleries of photos capturing some of the scene around the venues that supported the 2026 Vale Earth Fair's 50th I'm even more in awe that the event was saved from disaster.

The VEF Collective had to make a late decision to move the festival into St Peter Port after high winds stopped the setup in Vale Castle!

The fact that, with only hours to make it happen, the Vale Earth Fair 'Goes to Town' took place spread across five venues in St Peter Port is incredible and amazing!

This festival day was also an odd one for me. I've made no secret in the past that I was a regular visitor to Errol's Real Ale Bar. This was an enjoyable distraction from taking pics!

However, for the first and hopefully only time, I had a 'dry' festival as I'd decided that the only way I could do justice to as many bands and venues as possible was to drive around to them.... remember I am an ancient pensioner, ha, ha!

So the ale free day was the ultimate sacrifice for me to make! I hope you agree and think the pics made it worth it!

Here's a link to some more photos.....
CLICK TO VIEW THE 2026 VEF GOES TO TOWN PHOTOS

Possibly my slowest edit ever?!!

Somehow I've kept updating a few photos.... but then each time I've been distracted by something else, and again, and again!

This process probably wasn't helped by the edit being a tricky one due to the VERY low light and the high contrast colours. Sometimes my motivation is beaten down by a 'hard slog'!

But there is a sense of relief when I can call the job done. Which is now the case!

Oh, I forgot to introduce what all this is actually about. I'm referring to the (not so) recent Metal 2 the Masses finals evening at St James Guernsey where bands went head to head to win the opportunity to play at the 2026 Bloodstock Festival.

Apothis were the winners.... and they've already completed the job!!

Other bands included Skyscrapers, Aggravating Family and All Eyes on You with support from Perchard's Wall.

Here's a link to my photo gallery:
CLICK TO VIEW THE METAL 2 THE MASSES GALLERIES

The Guernsey School of Popular Music's Summer School finishes with a highlight gig to showcase the students busy week.

The week started with the formation of bands.... and of course the important choice of a (mostly weird) band name!

The following days were busy as students rehearsed a short set of live music. This was all building up to a crazy night at The Mermaid Tavern in Herm.

I use the word 'crazy' as I think that best describes how mad someone was when they thought of the idea of putting on a night with TEN student bands on stage... and not forgetting the Tutors Band that closes the entertainment.

Also you have to remember that all this happens in Herm.... there's no room for delays as the boat will sail home without you!

The 2026 edition of the SoPM Guernsey Summer School Gig was as good and as popular as ever and I really enjoyed capturing some of the special moments.

If you want to see what you missed just click below to view my Galleries:
CLICK TO VIEW THE 2026 SoPM GUERNSEY SUMMER SCHOOL GIG

I spent a lovely afternoon in Delancey Park at the Guernsey School of Popular Music's' 2026 'Party in the Park'.

The event showcasing students from SoPM has been running for four years and each time it is more popular.

Visitors have a chance to relax in the park and enjoy a free afternoon of entertainment with lots of additional stalls and games to keep a family occupied.

I captured a few photos of the 2026 party and they are now online here:
CLICK TO VIEW THE 2026 SoPM PARTY IN THE PARK

The longer summer days are such a draw to be outside (I love my gardening). But the knock-on effect is shorter evenings!

This means less time to complete my editing and as the number of assignments also ramps up in the summer I always seem to have a back log.

So with my excuses made, I've only just completed the photo galleries for the first The longer summer days are such a draw to be outside (I love my gardening). But the knock-on effect is shorter evenings!

This means less time to complete my editing and as the number of assignments also ramps up in the summer I always seem to have a back log.

So with my excuses made, I've only just completed the photo galleries for the first Chateau De Val Festival which was held within the historic walls of the Vale Castle a few weeks ago!

If you haven't heard of this new festival just take a look at a few of my pics and you'll get an idea what you missed: which was held within the historic walls of the Vale Castle a few weeks ago!

If you haven't heard of this new festival just take a look at a few of my pics and you'll get an idea what you missed:
CLICK TO VIEW THE 2026 CHATEAUX DE VAL FESTIVAL

The last couple of weeks seem to have been all work and no updates! Each time I've finished one edit another assignment is lined up for the edit.

Photos have been added to my website so I'm trying to complete the job with a few links to the latest Galleries.

So first up, how about this one? I was asked to photograph the very photogenic La Beltane Festival in Sark and it was amazing... I highly recommend it to you next year.

It was a very long day for me (partly self inflicted!) trying not to miss any of the busy line-up of attractions and bands, all in the beautiful grounds of La Seigneurie... but I think I just about made it!

In this case I really think my photos are better than words to give you an idea of what goes on during Mayday in Sark.

Make sure you take a look here:
CLICK TO VIEW THE AMAZING LA BELTANE FESTIVAL PHOTOS

I think that the 2026 Liberation Day celebrations in St Peter Port ticked most of the boxes with a new layout of the attractions... but still featuring many of the islanders favourites.

The day was still packed with interest and maybe the most successful part was the way the Crown Pier was devoted to the children's attractions. Also the extended seating area devoted to food stalls (and not forgetting the bars!) on the Albert Pier.

The live music stage and the Vintage Fair were also very, very popular.

I managed to capture quite a lot of what went on during the day and night and there are Galleries online now if you are interested. Just click the link to view my photos:
CLICK TO VIEW PHOTOS OF THE 2026 LIBERATION DAY CELEBRATIONS

I've enjoyed another fully packed weekend covering two football games... the U21's Muratti and GFC v Bexhill United.

Also Sunday morning's Round 3 of the GVC Ian Brown's Cycle Shop MTB XC Series.

Adding to the list a Charity fundraiser and a Gig featuring SIX bands at St James on Saturday night I think I know why I'm now feeling a bit wacked!

All great fun though!

I've just added the Gallery featuring the GVC Downhill Racing Cross Country race. Click the link to view the photos:
CLICK TO VIEW ROUND 3 OF THE 2026 GVC MTC XC SERIES

As I'm heading off to St James Guernsey this evening for the Decibel Tower event.... and it's going to be a busy one with SIX Bands on the bill!

So I thought I should add some recent photos taken in the VERY dark 'The Pit'. This is a fantastic, intimate venue downstairs at St James. But it is VERY challenging to photograph in such low light.

However, I never learn so it's more of the same for me tonight then!

Here are a couple of links to the recent photos:
CLICK TO VIEW PHOTOS OF PILLARS
CLICK TO VIEW PHOTOS OF SICK MILITIA
CLICK TO VIEW PHOTOS OF HOLLOW YOUTH

I was assigned by The Guernsey Press to photograph the 2026 Thirst Music School 'Battle of the School Bands' at Beau Sejour.

I'd photographed this event last year and I had also photographed many of the students previously at other events and in a variety of Bands. These young musicians certainly enjoy their passion for live music and they will turn up anywhere they can showcase their talents!

The evening of the 'Battle' was a great example of this. Five school Bands had clearly been practicing hard and they all revelled in playing on the big stage at Beau Sejour to what appeared to be a near sell-out crowd.

All the production values on the night were first class, sound and lighting. No-one left the theatre unimpressed by what they had seen and heard.

Congratulations to the Band representing Elizabeth College, Shockwave, who won the trophy (and cash) for being judged as the Best Band!

There are new Galleries showcasing all the Bands and the atmosphere on the night. Click the link to view them:
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE THIRST BATTLE OF THE SCHOOL BANDS PHOTOS

Last Friday I made my first visit in 2026 to a gig. Yeh!

The Christmas/New Year break always leaves me eager to get back out there and this years first event was at St James... and it set a high standard.

We were down in The Pit, which really is a great venue. The line-up featured a window to the future with a couple of new bands on show.

The three bands on the bill were Vessels, Hanging Pieces and Sleep Thief. I'm sure they will play again on a stage near you during the next few months. Keep your ear to the ground and make sure you catch one of their performances.

I've added new galleries to the website featuring the bands. If you fancy looking at them click this link and use the search box to find them.
CLICK TO VISIT THE WEBSITE

One of the final events in the Guernsey School of Popular Music's calendar is also one of my favourites of the year.

The event is titled 'Music for Everyone' and that pretty well sums it up.

The format of the show, which is held in the theatre at Beau Sejour, is to give individual students the chance to perform as part of a professional band made up of SoPM tutors.

Once the students have 'done their thing' they recount what their own musical journey has been like on the road to taking the spotlight on stage.

After the event I'm always so impressed how well the 'Music for Everyone' title perfectly tells the story.

My photos of the 2025 show are now online:
CLICK TO VIEW THE 2025 GUERNSEY SoPM MUSIC FOR EVERYONE SHOW

The Guernsey School of Popular Music now has a traditional weekend where students talents are showcased in front of family and friends.

Part of the weekend includes a 'Battle of the Bands' event. This is presented on the big stage at Beau Sejour which offers amazing sound quality complemented with professional lighting... the result is a night to remember for all those involved.

I kept my own tradition going by photographing the whole night and the photos are now online. Just click the link if you want to see the results of all the talented students hard work:
CLICK TO VIEW THE GUERNSEY SoPM BATTLE OF THE BANDS

The festive season kicked off quite early this year with the Guernsey School of Popular Music's Christmas Concert.

In what I think was a brilliant move the Guernsey School of Popular Music included their Christmas Concert into their weekend of events at Beau Sejour.

As we were still in November this benchmark meant that the festive season must have begun!

And judged by the other guideline as to whether it's too early, the fact that M&S have started advertising Christmas everything was fine!

My photos of the SoPM Guernsey Christmas Concert can be viewed by clicking the link:
CLICK TO VIEW THE 2025 SoPM GUERNSEY CHRISTMAS CONCERT

The Global Collection Festival was created five years ago by Jon Bisson and Gregory Harrison.

Their original concept has grown and developed since then but it is still centred around three venues within St James Guernsey, The Whittacker Hall, The Pit and The Café.

Additional performances could also be enjoyed at the Old Government House Hotel.

The 2025 edition of the GCF was held over three days and nights and featured an amazing line-up of exciting artists and I'm certain that every one of the music lovers who attended during the three days would have discovered a new act to follow!

Thank you St James for enriching our lives once again.

You can view my photos of the 2025 GCF in the Galleries below.....
CLICK TO VIEW PHOTOS OF THE 2025 GLOBAL COLLECTION FESTIVAL

The axe's (of the guitar variety) where out for a fight in Jersey when the Jersey School of Popular Music held the annual 'Battle of the Jersey School Bands' at Haute Vallée School theatre.

This years event was the best ever and was great fun to photograph.

Now this is just an idea.... but maybe we could have a 'Battle of the Bands' inter-insular someday?

Now there's an idea SoPM!

You can view the Jersey BotB's Galleries by clicking this link:
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE JERSEY BATTLE OF THE JERSEY SCHOOL BANDS

The GFC Women maintained their unbeaten record so far this season when they played the visiting team, AFC Stoneham, at Victoria Park.

The 1-1 draw was a fair representation of the closely fought game where both teams performed well. Whilst this game didn't produce the goal fest that had come before it was encouraging that the GFC Women where able to adapt to a tighter game.

Well done to the ladies. Lets hope the good form lasts. You have certainly captured the interest among local supporters who look forward to the next game at Victoria Park.

I've added a new gallery featuring the GFC Women v AFC Stoneham. Click the link to view them:
CLICK TO VIEW PHOTOS OF GFC WOMAN v AFC STONEHAM

Tantale's recent gigs have seen them as headliners, a role that they rise to with style. They have more than a decade of experience and deserve the recognition that they've earned.

But last weekend Tantale took a supporting role at the return gig of The Recks at St James Guernsey.

The combination of these two great local bands created an night to remember... and I'm not the only one who thinks so. The comments on social media have all been fervent, thrilled and excited.

I've just uploaded a few pics of the TANTALE set. Click the link if you want to take a look:
CLICK TO VIEW THE LATEST TANTALE PHOTOS