Live at the Manor

This summer, the spectacular gardens of Sausmarez Manor, one of Guernsey’s most historic landmarks, will host the inaugural edition of Live at the Manor— a vibrant one-day music festival fusing international artists with local spirit. Curated by producer and cultural entrepreneur Benjamin Levy with the support of Visit Guernsey and the Tourism Marketing Board, this event marks the beginning of a long-term vision to connect France and the UK through the Channel Islands, using Guernsey as a creative and cultural hub.

“The Channel Islands are uniquely placed to act as a cultural bridge between the UK and France,” says Levy. “This event is just the beginning of a cycle of exchanges that I hope will help shape Guernsey into a thriving destination for music, innovation, and creativity. I want to bring the best of both worlds together — and this is the first step.”

An international line-up with deep cultural roots

Headlining Live at the Manor is Le Village, a new Paris-based musical project blending soul, Afro-groove, and reggae. It brings together the extraordinary talents of Bibi Tanga, DjeuhDjoah & Lieutenant Nicholson, and Jacques Daoud — all major voices on the contemporary French scene. Joining them from across the Channel is K.O.G (Kweku of Ghana), the Ghanaian-born UK-based artist whose genre-defying shows combine fierce raps, soaring vocals, poetry, and dance. A master performer with deep roots in both African and British music culture, K.O.G embodies the festival’s mission of unity through diversity.

Guernsey’s own DJ Leon Robertson rounds out the line-up, ensuring the island’s creative scene takes centre stage as well.

“There are around 5,000 music festivals in France and 3,000 in the UK every year featuring thousands of artists of different genres. These artists would jump at the chance to perform in a new place if the right infrastructure is in place,” said Levy.

“It makes sense to me that the artists that tour around the UK and France could go through the Channel Islands, especially as there are so many events in Brittany, Normandy and the south of the UK. This would inject energy into our artistic and cultural scene as well as boost tourism. It would also give more opportunities for local and international artists to discover the gem that is Guernsey in a mutually beneficial project for our community,” he explained.

“I’m also grateful to the de Sausmarez family for believing in this cultural project and providing their beautiful grounds to host it. Sausmarez Manor is an incredibly special location and an important part of Guernsey’s heritage and community life so it means a lot to hold this first event here.”

Family-Friendly, Community-Oriented, and Meaningful

Live at the Manor is not just a music event — it’s a cultural experience for all ages. With family activities during the afternoon and world-class performances into the night, it promises to be an unforgettable day out in one of the island’s most enchanting settings.

There will be a selection of delicious local food by Mike and Delphine Pesrin as well as a bar stocked with natural wines and bubbles to enjoy as the sun sets over the Manor.

In line with its community focus, the event will support Bright Beginnings, a local charity dedicated to helping babies, young children and their carers thrive during the crucial early years to give them the best start at life.

About the organiser

With over 25 years of experience in the international music industry, Levy is known for championing jazz, funk, and Afro-diasporic heritage through the acclaimed Paris New York Heritage Festival and global tours with artists such as James Brown, Earth Wind and Fire, Roy Ayers, and Fred Wesley. Now based in Guernsey, he is setting the stage for a series of initiatives to develop the island’s creative industries and put it on the cultural map of Europe.

Benjamin Levy founded the international booking agency BL Music in 2007, following a lengthy music industry career as a promoter, booking agent, manager, producer, tour manager, educator, and artistic director of festivals. He is also the founder, producer & program director of the Paris New York Heritage Festival.

Media release provided by Benjamin Levy