Guernsey celebrates 800 years of independence in 2004

The 800th anniversary of Guernsey's constitutional independence is to be marked throughout 2004 under the banner of Celebration 800.

And a special working party has been set up to co-ordinate the year and it will organise a number of activities which will take place across the island.

The Chair of the working party, Deputy Claire Le Pelley, says she is looking forward to showing islanders how Guernsey gained its distinctive political status.

'Wonderful opportunity'

"It is a very peculiar status and an extremely interesting one," said Deputy Le Pelly.

"Everybody knows of our allegiance to the Crown of England and not to the Government of England.

"We hope to show how this occurred right back in 1204."

A website is also being set up to explain the history, and a calendar of events will be added to it as they are confirmed.

Representatives from the Heritage Committee, the Tourist Board, the Arts Committee and the Education Council will be trying to make the most of the occasion.

Deputy Le Pelley said the anniversary was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the history of Guernsey.

She says she hopes the occasion would be used to raise the profile of the island and attract positive attention from further afield.

The working party would like to hear from any group who might consider holding a themed event or could highlight the anniversary in their activities.