It was founded in 1908 by former Dean of Jersey Samuel Falle, who saw its competitive classes as a means by which the speech, presentation, and musical standards of his fellow islanders might be improved.
After its inception the festival expanded rapidly to encompass other disciplines and crafts, with dance, art, needlework, photography being early additions, which still thrive.
There are currently two festivals held annually: Each attracts nearly 3,000 entries, and, via teachers, relations and supporters, it is estimated that the Jersey Eisteddfod reaches a minimum of 10 percent of the population at any one time.
Each section sets its own syllabus, engages one or more adjudicators and supervises the entries and the management of the competitions; and is responsible for communications with the competitors.
The management of the Jersey Eisteddfod is accomplished by volunteers who either hold office or are enrolled to assist [as in stewarding] on an occasional basis.