About St James

St James is the island's only Concert Hall and is the venue for many varied events throughout the year. This former church was restored several years ago led by a group of dedicated people who formed the Friends of St James Association. Through personal and corporate funding, the building was restored to its former glory. The acoustics in the building are fabulous and make it the perfect place for orchestral and Choirs performances. The Guernsey Concert Band and the Guernsey Churches Island Festival Chorus use St James for many of their events.

A major building re-development of the Dorey Centre took place in 2001 and was completed on schedule just before the Christmas events. The Friends of St James have been raised the £1m needed to fund the extension. The centre now provides better facilities including:

• a bistro style restaurant with terrace

• use of more seats in the gallery

• private bar at gallery level

• a range of meeting and rehearsal rooms

• a small shop

• a fully equipped box office

• wheelchair access

• improved toilets

• the ability to run several activities at the same time

Millennium Tapestries

The Dorey Centre will also house the island's Millennium Tapestry in the new gallery. The ten tapestries (one from each Parish) depict Guernsey through the last Millennium. The gallery will be officially opened by the former Bailiff Sir Graham Dorey on 24 January 2002.

If you wish to find out more about fund raising for St James, call the administrative office on 711360 between 9.00am and 5.00pm Monday to Friday.

You can become a Friend of St James through an annual subscription (currently £14 per annum for an individual or £30 for family membership. Life membership is a single subscription of £280.  Membership will not only assist with the upkeep of this magnificent building but also entitles members to receive priority bookings.

Events

There is always a full and varied programme of events each month. Call the box office on (01481) 711361 between 9.00am and 2.00pm weekdays and 10.00am and 12 noon on Saturdays to find out more details or to book for an event. The St James Diary of Events is also available from the Tourist Board Offices and most hotels.

Facilities for physically disabled 

Easy access for wheelchairs is available through the main doors and easily accessible toilets. Parking may also be allocated upon request on Tel. no. 711360.  A wheelchair is available for use in the building and a hearing aid loop has been fitted for the hard of hearing.