St James

St Peter Port·Attraction

Standout

Oldest arts cultural centre · of 7 with a recorded founding year

Story

Built 1818 as church of St James the Less for British Garrison, designed by John Wilson (also architect of Elizabeth College). Promoted by Admiral Sir James Saumarez in 1815. Used as Elizabeth College chapel for many years. Became redundant 1970. Friends of St James Association formed 1981. States of Guernsey funded restoration; officially reopened 5 July 1985 by HRH Duke of Kent. Dorey Centre added later. Bi-centenary renovations completed post-2018 including new heating, lighting and audio systems.

St James is Guernsey's arts and cultural centre, housed in a Greek revival building on College Street, St Peter Port, built in 1818 as a garrison church and reopened as a concert and assembly hall in 1985. Operated by a registered charity, it hosts 150+ events per year — live music, comedy, classical concerts, club nights, and private functions — across seven spaces including the Whittaker Hall (576 theatre capacity), a café with harbour views, and The Pit basement music venue. It also runs SOUND, a free music programme for ages 11–17. —

Quick facts

Established: 1985 · 41 years
Type: Independent
Industries served: Visitors, Business community, Residents
Specialises in: Events, Concerts

People2

Jon Bisson
Greg Harrison

Services offered

Live music
Comedy shows
Classical concerts
Club nights
Community events
Art exhibitions
Private dining
Corporate events
Weddings
Conferences
Youth music program (SOUND)

Hours

Box Office Phone: Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri 12pm-2pm. Box Office Visit: Fri 12pm-2pm. Office Phone: midweek 9am-2pm. Building open to public: Fri 12pm-2pm. Event doors: 45 minutes before show.

Contact

Phone: +44 1481 711361
Email: admin@stjames.gg
Website: stjames.gg
Social
Address: College Street, St Peter Port, Guernsey GY1 2NZ

History2

Key dates and recorded company events for St James.

1970—Became redundant
1981—Friends of St James Association formed

Location

Directions ↗

Compiled from public sources — mistakes are possible. If something here looks wrong, let us know.

Also in Arts Cultural Centres

See all 12 Arts Cultural Centres in Guernsey →