Melissa Crowther welcomed crowds into NatWest to enjoy an evening celebrating the opening of their communal working space. There were canopies and drinks galore, bountifully provided by the amazing Jersey Kitchen. After socialising and catching up with friends, Melissa gave an excellent speech detailing the nature of the place and everything it can be used for. Whether you want to host a business meeting or construct a pop-up stall, NatWest has well and truly got you covered. There are plenty of desks across two floors, and (perhaps more importantly) there’s a great coffee machine. It is truly a freelancer’s paradise, make sure to check it out when you next get the chance.

CCA Galleries hosted beautiful people and beautiful artwork for Miranda Moncreiffe’s exhibition ‘Dancing with Light’. Many meandered through the three floors of the gallery, soaking in the bright colours that swum across the walls. It was a lovely evening to mill around and talk with fellow art-enthusiasts. Spirits were light from witnessing the joy infused in Miranda’s work (that, and also the wine). If you missed it, the exhibition is running until 14th June – make sure to pop in when you’re next walking by.

The Town Church welcomed a symphony of sounds when it invited Jasna Nadles (flute), Milan Vrsajkov (cello) and Frederic Lagarde (piano) to grace it’s halls. The audience was utterly transfixed on the flurry of notes that floated from the stage. Crowds of classical enthusiasts lit the church with applause between each piece. With everyone left moved, it truly was an evening to remember.

Jersey Opera House may have temporarily closed its doors, but as the stage remains dark, their commitment to the arts continues. It is a unique chapter of their journey, allowing offsite productions to celebrate the arts in diverse spaces. The magic of live performance continues to resonate throughout the island – keep an eye on the Jersey Opera House website and social media channels for relevant announcements surrounding their 2024 programme.

After a gruelling week of potato weigh-ins, St Lawrence Parish Hall opened its doors to this year’s competitors. Schools, Constables and media outlets joined together to witness the public embarrassment of last year’s winners – Gallery Magazine. Oh how the mighty have fallen. After 100 days of neglect Gallery’s potato bucket produced ‘nothing more than some errant grass’. A far cry from the valiant efforts of Mr George Le Gros of St Lawrence, weighing in at 1517.9g.

Others further disproved the notion that the soil was tampered with this year. The JEP won the media competition, with a grand total of 361.1g and 15 tubers. VCP Class 3B cultivated 660g, whilst La Moye Reception A produced a crop numbering 35. We’ve been put to shame by five year olds – but it’s renewed our competitive streak. JEP, we’re coming for you next year.

Videographers, fashionistas and designers flocked to Freedom Church’s auditorium to wrestle with ways to improve Jersey’s creative industry. Speakers from around the world urged Jersey to produce a strategic model for this key sector, which has the power to diversify and strengthen the economy.

If you don’t want more jobs, more tourism and greater innovation, then supporting the creative industry is not for you. However, for those who want to greet the future (rather than stumble head-first into it) keep an eye out for upcoming events with the Creative Island Partnership. With new ideas, great company and (free lunch!) – what’s not to love?

Jaro Gallery / Thursday 21st March

With queues out the door, the brilliant Jaro Gallery opened their spring show with a private view of works by garden and portrait painter Ariel Luke and her daughter Poppy Whatmore. Ariel’s floral works were juxtaposed playfully with Poppy’s dynamic, contemporary sculptures that were made to celebrate spring and familial relations. These floral works will be available to view until April 21st at Jaro Gallery. Visit Jaro.je for more information.

Voisins / 23rd March

An evening that celebrated confidence and style was hosted by Claudia and Sophie from Alt Collective, with guest speakers Mia Ledbury, Head of Buying Ruth Hague, and Charlotte Tilbury Business Manager Lynne Messervy all giving insights. With a focus on encouraging women to wear clothes that make them feel amazing and boost their confidence, the event was attended by around 30 fabulous individuals who shared in the joy of embracing their unique style journeys. From insightful discussions to trying on stunning outfits, the atmosphere was electric with positivity and empowerment.