• Jersey Children’s Day will take place on 2 July between 10am and 5pm at Howard Davis Park
• Free event will include more entertainment, activities and discounted catering
• Event will also feature a community art project by primary school children
Final preparations are underway for the second public family event for Jersey Children’s Day on Sunday 2, July.
Since this year’s edition was announced in April, more than 45 organisations have offered their support for the day, along with around 30 people who have volunteered to help run the event.
The free event will include live music from a range of youth performers, entertainment and activities, and a community tent where families can access information, advice and guidance.
Families are encouraged to bring a child-friendly, alcohol-free picnic. Limited discounted catering will be available and free refreshment facilities provided by Jersey Water.
Children’s Day 2023 will also feature a children’s art project delivered by CYPES, in collaboration with ArtHouse Jersey with support for Phillip’s Footprints and Acorn Industries.
All primary school children have been invited to design a dream catcher from recycled materials to represent children’s rights. Materials are being delivered to Island schools today, with the final works being displayed during the event.
Since 2020, Jersey Children’s Day has been held each year on – or close to – 3 July in line with recommendation by a Citizens’ Panel that was set up after the Independent Jersey Care Inquiry (IJCI).
The Panel called for 3 July to be Jersey Children’s Day, to commemorate the date in 2017 that the IJCI published its report into Jersey’s care system over many decades. It is designed as a day to remember the failings of the past, look forward to the future, celebrate children and highlight their rights under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
The emblem for Children’s Day – which features children, butterflies and birds – was designed by Haute Vallée student Jodie Perkins in 2020, following an Island-wide competition.
Speaking at the time, Jodie said: "My design represents how children should feel safe where they are, they should be able to cope with change and that they should be recognised for their full potential.“Minister for Children and Education, Deputy Inna Gardiner said: “I’d like to thank everyone who has contacted us to get involved with Children’s Day. This event has always been intended and designed as an event for – and by – the whole community, so it’s wonderful to see people getting involved.
“I’d also like to thank the Children’s Day Steering Group, and especially Cheyenne O’Connor and the team, for all of their work behind the scenes. We look forward to welcoming families back for this one-of-a-kind event.”
Cheyenne O’Connor, of the independent survivor’s group at the Community PartnershipTrust, said: “We’ve had an amazing response from all the businesses and communities and I’d like to thank them all. It’s important that we mark Children’s Day, not just because it’s a great day for families, but so we don’t forget the lessons of the past.”
Government of Jersey Press Release.