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The 73rd instalment of Alderney Week is underway, and the organisers have hailed the Channel Islands' biggest community festival as a huge success after two years of pandemic-related disruption.
The festival officially began on Monday with Cavalcade day, where dozens of floats travelled down the high street and onto the Butes field. The customary Quarry party unofficially kicked off celebrations the previous night, where people danced late into the morning.
The Alderney Week Team told Express that “so far, everything has gone to plan”.
“It’s going extremely well, and we’re so relieved that everything is back.”
Pictured: Crowds on the Butes. Credit: Ilona Soane-Sands.
Tuesday saw the classic ‘daft raft’ race on Braye beach where contestants raced around a course for the coveted first place price, all while being sprayed by a canon mounted to the RNLI lifeboat. The beach later hosted a sandcastle competition, which was well attended.
Every year the Butes hosts beer tents, food stalls, live performances, circus acts and entertainment for children. On Wednesday, the field hosted the Gala Spectacular which was heavily inspired by the film The Greatest Showman, which is also the theme of Alderney Week this year.
“Two nights ago, we had the gala evening - there were hundreds of people just loving it and they looked very happy,” said the Team.
The Gala was dedicated to the late Ray Parkin who passed away last year; Mr Parkin has contributed massively to the festival over the years.
Pictured: Hundreds turned out for the raft race. Credit: Ilona Soane-Sands.
Yesterday saw the return of firm family favourites such as the Braye Common water fight and the colour party at the quarry.
Today, the paw patrol train trip sets off. The Team said: “There are no train strikes like in the UK; the Alderney train is always on time.”
The Team is looking forward to seeing new contraptions for the man-powered flight event on Saturday.
The week will come to end with a torch procession and bonfire on the Butes before the final quarry and bunker parties.
“The youngsters are really happy about the quarry and bunker parties, it's for them to let their hair down and celebrate into the early hours right up until breakfast,” said the Team.
A full list of events can be viewed HERE.
Pictured (top): The Gala evening and Cavalcade day. Credit: David Nash.
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