Step into the enchanting realm of the Guernsey Street Festival Awards, where exceptional talents take center stage and creativity knows no bounds! Our awards celebrate the heartbeat of artistic brilliance, a testament to the boundless passion and dedication that graces our vibrant festival. With an unwavering commitment to recognizing excellence, we present to you four prestigious accolades that honor the very essence of artistic expression.
Our awards celebrate the performers and people who bring the festival to life—through talent, kindness, energy, and community spirit.
Criteria
Here, experience meets expertise as seasoned artists unleash their creative prowess. These individuals possess a unique ability to captivate audiences of all ages, bridging the gap between generations and leaving an indelible mark on our cultural tapestry.
Criteria examples include:
Audience Engagement – Actively interacts with the audience, holds their attention, and creates a memorable experience.
Originality and Creativity – Brings a fresh, unique performance style or concept that stands out.
Stage Presence and Confidence – Delivers with charisma, energy, and professionalism.
Technical Skill – Demonstrates high-level ability in their art form (music, dance, theatre, etc.).
Adaptability – Performs well in a street setting and can adjust to changing environments or audiences.
Consistency – Maintains a strong performance throughout the set, without dips in quality or energy.
Visual Impact – Uses costume, props, or movement to enhance the overall performance visually.
Contribution to Festival Atmosphere – Adds to the spirit and vibrancy of the event as a whole.
Public Response – Positive reactions, crowd size, and engagement (e.g., clapping, dancing, participation).
Professionalism and Reliability – Arrives on time, communicates well, and represents the festival positively.
Criteria
This award recognises the outstanding contribution of a young performer (aged 18 or under) to the Guernsey Street Festival. It shines a spotlight on emerging talent, enthusiasm, and the fresh energy that young artists bring to our community celebration.
Criteria examples include:
Audience Engagement – Actively interacts with the audience, holds their attention, and creates a memorable experience.
Originality and Creativity – Brings a fresh, unique performance style or concept that stands out.
Stage Presence and Confidence – Delivers with charisma, energy, and professionalism.
Technical Skill – Demonstrates high-level ability in their art form (music, dance, theatre, etc.).
Adaptability – Performs well in a street setting and can adjust to changing environments or audiences.
Consistency – Maintains a strong performance throughout the set, without dips in quality or energy.
Visual Impact – Uses costume, props, or movement to enhance the overall performance visually.
Contribution to Festival Atmosphere – Adds to the spirit and vibrancy of the event as a whole.
Public Response – Positive reactions, crowd size, and engagement (e.g., clapping, dancing, participation).
Professionalism and Reliability – Arrives on time, communicates well, and represents the festival positively.
Criteria
Awarded to the rising star who captivates our judges hearts and minds, these performers embody the future of the arts. Their awe-inspiring talents, honed through dedication and perseverance, offer a glimpse into a world of limitless possibilities.
The criteria includes:
Debut festival appearance – The act must be appearing at the festival for the first time in its current form. (For example, a solo performer returning with a new band or concept can still be eligible.)
Strong First Impression – Delivers a performance that grabs attention and leaves a lasting impact.
Talent and Potential – Demonstrates clear skill in their art form with strong potential for future development.
Originality – Offers something fresh, creative, or different that stands out from more established acts.
Audience Reaction – Engages and impresses the audience, generating positive feedback or interaction.
Confidence and Stage Presence – Performs with enthusiasm and assurance, even as a newcomer.
Effort and Enthusiasm – Shows commitment to their performance and the overall festival.
Engagement with the Festival – Participates positively in the spirit of the event, contributing to its energy and community feel.
Adaptability – Handles the street performance environment with flexibility and professionalism.
Professional Conduct – Reliable, respectful, and easy to work with—on and off the stage.
At the heart of our celebration lies the true embodiment of the festival's essence. Chosen by the discerning eyes of our dedicated committee, this award recognizes performers who go above and beyond, embodying the very spirit of camaraderie and community that defines our festival. Acts of kindness, selflessness, and a genuine passion for lifting others up form the cornerstones of this extraordinary honor.
Dedicated to the late Jack Honeybill, without whom, this festival would not exist and who worked tirelessly to bring opportunity and joy to our island and it's artists.
The criteria includes:
Embodiment of Festival Spirit – Radiates the heart and soul of the festival through kindness, positivity, and enthusiasm.
Community Contribution – Actively supports the wider festival community. This might include sharing equipment with other performers, helping others set up or navigate the event, offering advice to newcomers, or promoting fellow artists on their own social media pages.
Volunteering and Support – Contributes time and skills beyond their performance. Examples include helping with set-up or pack-down, office support, filming or photographing other acts, writing schedule boards, or generally assisting the committee.
Consistent Engagement – Shows dedication throughout the event, not just during performance time to support other acts and the committee.
Promotion and Advocacy – Actively promotes the festival by sharing content, tagging the event in posts, and encouraging attendance.
Legacy of Goodwill – Leaves a meaningful, lasting impression and a passion for the festival that honours the generous and community-focused spirit of Jack Honeybill.
We introduced these awards with a heartfelt mission: to nurture and uplift both emerging and established artists alike. The Guernsey Street Festival Awards serve as a beacon of inspiration, empowering performers to embrace their individuality and showcasing the incredible dedication they pour into their craft. For those building their creative CVs, these awards are a testament to their growth and achievements, while for seasoned artists, they stand as a tribute to the countless hours of hard work and dedication they've poured into their artistic journey. As each award finds its rightful recipient, we collectively honor the power of artistic expression and the unbreakable bond that ties our creative community together.
Each year secret judges are approached by the committee to judge the awards for the Guernsey Street Festival. Judges are approached based on their background in the arts, dedication to supporting artists and include a mix of stalwarts of the Guernsey and international arts scene, professional artists and friends of the festival.
They move through the streets undetected throughout the festival, covering all the acts in order to make an independent judgement on the Over 18, 18 and under, and best newcomer awards.
Past years judges include Shaun Winterflood, Barbera Minta, Laura Simpson and Simon Ricketts.
Over 18 Performer of the Year
Rachel Dawson is a country-pop, singer-songwriter and guitarist from Guernsey, with influences such as: Taylor Swift, Eva Cassidy, Ward Thomas and Carrie Underwood. She has been performing live around the Channel Islands for almost a decade now and has just released her 7th song on streaming platforms, ‘Windmills’, with more releases coming soon! She is currently studying music in liverpool at LIPA.
18 and Under Performer of the Year
Amelia was welcomed into the Guernsey Street Festival family in 2022, winning 'Best Newcomer” at the tender age of 14. Since then she has been part of both the Summer and Christmas GSF programmes.
Whilst much of Amelia’s set is Pop through the ages, her passion is theatre and you may have caught her as leading lady in an array of musicals on the island over the past year, ranging from “We Will Rock You” to “Footloose” and “Six”.
She has also received outstanding reviews for her portrayal of the titular role in the diary of Anne Frank.
When not rehearsing for the latest production you can find Amelia entertaining at Weddings, Birthday party’s, MTG events and Seafront Sundays.
She is delighted to be back performing for the Guernsey Street Festival this year.
Best Newcomer
Winner of the 2024 Guernsey Street Festival Best Newcomer award, Scar is becoming a familiar face in Guernsey performing arts. Currently studying on a level 4 Performing Arts course at the Guernsey Institute, Scar has appeared in hit local shows such as Bonnie and Clyde, Young Frankenstein, Carrie and Spamalot. In September, Scar is going to study musical theatre at Trinity Laban Conservatoire.
His music and style is heavily influenced by this theatre background, so expect songs from musicals such as Rent, Waitress and Fiver, as well as classic and contemporary pop and rock songs with a musical theatre twist.
The Jack Honeybill Festival Spirit Award
Calum started photography as a hobby after being inspired by one particularly beautiful sunset in 2018. He has photographed a wide range of events locally including The West Show, The North Show, Liberation Day, and the Guernsey Street Festival in 2023. He has a variety of equipment which allows him to take an array of different photos including closeup, landscape, wide angle, and long exposure shots. Calum looks forward to photographing all of this year’s events!
The Jack Honeybill Festival Spirit Award
Charli Andrews is a talented face painter set to bring color and creativity to the Guernsey Street Festival this year. She’s already made her mark—last year she took home the prestigious Jack Honeybill Festival Spirit Award in recognition of her vibrant artistry and infectious enthusiasm. Get ready for bold colors, playful features, and a whole lot of fun with Charli’s brushes at this year’s celebration!
Over 18 Performer of the Year
Benji Grut, is an indie singer/songwriter and guitarist from Guernsey who studies drums and songwriting at BIMM in Bristol. His music is inspired by artists such as Bon Iver, Bo Burnham, Bill Wurtz, Ed Sheeran, Jacob Collier and Cave Town. He plays a variety of instruments and started off on the drums at age 8 and has been developing his songwriting on ukulele and guitar for 6 years. He won the over 18s category at the festival last year and you can find his music on all streaming platforms under Benji Grut.
18 and Under Performer of the Year
Isla André is a nineteen year old singer from guernsey. She is currently completing her BA in acting at drama school in London, and has attained a grade 8 distinction in pop vocals. This Isla’s 4th year with the GSF. Isla was awarded the GSF U18 award in 2023. Isla has been working on her songwriting and music production, with her own material being released very shortly across all platforms. Isla’s set is a mixture of artists including: Adele, Billie Eilish and a few of her own songs.
Best Newcomer
Freddie Surman is a enthusiastic multi-instrumentalist, who loves Reggae,Country and Rock. Recently he has started getting into Rap. He as performed in various Pubs across Town, he also loves collaborating with others and making Music that encourages a good mood.
The Jack Honeybill Festival Spirit Award
Small But Mighty. Lucy Cave is a tiny singer with an angelic tone and a surprising amount of power. She has the type of vocal style that will mesmerize a room. As well as singing beautiful, classical pieces, Lucy also enjoys performing earthy and fun pop-indie tunes. So, if you're looking for a passionate performer with a lot of personality, then look no further!
The Jack Honeybill Festival Spirit Award
Eve is a guitarist and singer who you can often see gracing the local theatre scene. Eve loves to put an acoustic twist on many popular songs, giving a new life to old favourites. You will probably catch her singing Taylor Swift at some point in her set! Eve is currently studying at the University of Chichester doing Musical Theatre and Acting for Film, where she is continuing her passion for singing and acting. She hopes you enjoy the festival!
Over 18 Performer of the Year
Ivy is a guernsey girl now living in London pursuing musical theatre! She has a folk/pop/indie style and self accompanies on guitar.
18 and Under Performer of the Year
Best Newcomer
Amelia was welcomed into the Guernsey Street Festival family in 2022, winning 'Best Newcomer” at the tender age of 14. Since then she has been part of both the Summer and Christmas GSF programmes.
Whilst much of Amelia’s set is Pop through the ages, her passion is theatre and you may have caught her as leading lady in an array of musicals on the island over the past year, ranging from “We Will Rock You” to “Footloose” and “Six”.
She has also received outstanding reviews for her portrayal of the titular role in the diary of Anne Frank.
When not rehearsing for the latest production you can find Amelia entertaining at Weddings, Birthday party’s, MTG events and Seafront Sundays.
She is delighted to be back performing for the Guernsey Street Festival this year.
The Jack Honeybill Festival Spirit Award
Oscar Armenta is a singer-songwriter. Oscar has worked with top professionals in the UK's music scene to write, produce, and release his own original music, with the song 'No Right To Love You' featuring on the 2022 season of Love Island. Since then Oscar has continued to work with many UK producers who have worked with the likes of Calum Scott, Ed Sheeran, Pink Floyd and Dua Lipa. Oscar loves to sing heartfelt ballads as well as some upbeat pop and rock classics. As a returning performer to the Guernsey Street Festival, Oscar looks forward to sharing his music across the town and getting involved in the festival lifestyle.
Best Newcomer
Oscar Armenta is a singer-songwriter. Oscar has worked with top professionals in the UK's music scene to write, produce, and release his own original music, with the song 'No Right To Love You' featuring on the 2022 season of Love Island. Since then Oscar has continued to work with many UK producers who have worked with the likes of Calum Scott, Ed Sheeran, Pink Floyd and Dua Lipa. Oscar loves to sing heartfelt ballads as well as some upbeat pop and rock classics. As a returning performer to the Guernsey Street Festival, Oscar looks forward to sharing his music across the town and getting involved in the festival lifestyle.
Over 18 Performer of the Year
Mickey is a Guernsey based singer, songwriter and performer with a distinct style and sound. He performs an eclectic mix of songs ranging from jazz standards, through folk and blues to acoustic takes on modern indie classics. His original songs combine evocative, poetic lyrics with catchy and tuneful melodies that belie the depth of meaning is his songs. With a smooth, soulful voice and an intricate and quirky guitar style he gives off a laid back vibe that that is both captivating and easy on the ear.
18 and Under Performer of the Year
Rachel Dawson is a country-pop, singer-songwriter and guitarist from Guernsey, with influences such as: Taylor Swift, Eva Cassidy, Ward Thomas and Carrie Underwood. She has been performing live around the Channel Islands for almost a decade now and has just released her 7th song on streaming platforms, ‘Windmills’, with more releases coming soon! She is currently studying music in liverpool at LIPA.
18 and Under Performer of the Year
The Giocoso quartet formed as part of the Guernsey Music Centre in 2021 and since then have enjoyed performing in chamber concerts, sea front sundays, jazz nights and music centre open mornings. Giocoso quartet plays a variety of music from Mozart to Guns and Roses, setlists capturing a plethora of genres for all to enjoy. The quartet is also available to hire for events such as weddings and parties, so please don't hesitate to contact if you are interested!