The Greatest Show is back for 2022

Monday 24 January 2022

Plans are announced today for the return of Alderney Week this summer after the pandemic forced its cancellation last year.

A new organising team is billing Alderney Week 2022 as the Greatest Show in memory of a man considered responsible for the carnival's long-running success.

Ray Parkin died in September. He was heavily involved in organising Alderney Week, volunteering in numerous roles and coming up with many of the ideas which have become popular fixtures of the annual event and generally making it a great success.

This year - for the 73rd Alderney Week - Wayne and Vicky Chandler are taking over as the main organisers.

It will be held between 1 August and 6 August and they are planning for more than 100 events across the Week.

Mr and Mrs Chandler have been involved in organising Alderney's Rock the Rock Festival since 2012. Mr Chandler also helps to run the island's sprint and hill climb. 

But Alderney Week is particularly special. It can attract up to a thousand visitors - an increase of roughly 50% on the island's normal population. 

Pictured: Wayne and Vicky Chandler, the new organisers of Alderney Week, which returns in 2022 after covid-19 forced its cancellation at short notice in 2021.

Mr and Mrs Chandler will be supported by a dedicated team, including James and Tracey Clarke, Claire Digney, Kimberley Clay and Caitlin Cotton, all of whom have been linked to many of Alderney Week's events in the past.

Mrs Chandler said they are already working hard to get everything ready for the carnival in the first week of August. They want this year's Alderney Week to be a fitting tribute to Mr Parkin. 

“In our eyes, Ray Parkin was Alderney’s Greatest Showman,” said Mrs Chandler.

“Without Ray, Alderney Week would not be what it is today, and this year’s Alderney Week will be our tribute to Ray." 

Pictured: Ray Parkin, behind the wheel, at Alderney Week in 1975. Image from alderneyweek.com

Mr Chandler said that after the disappointment of seeing Alderney Week cancelled in 2021, the island is excited about it returning this summer.

“After another difficult year that seemed to be ruled by covid restrictions, we want to bring back the fun. And this year’s theme will provide plenty of scope for floats, costumes and events," he said.

While the most popular traditional events will return - such as the cavalcade, daft raft race and man-powered flight - the new organising committee also wants to hear from anyone with new ideas. Suggestions can be emailed to info@alderneyweek.com

Cavalcade Day will open Alderney Week on Monday 1 August and it will finish on the night of Saturday 6 August after a torchlight procession, fireworks finale and live music on the Butes.

Outgoing Alderney Week organiser Ronnie Cairnduff and his team will be offering any support their successors need.

Mr Cairnduff said: “This is all excellent news. I have known Wayne for several years and we have worked closely together with Rock the Rock. After numerous meetings and discussions with Wayne and Vicky, and more recently with the whole team, I am absolutely convinced that Alderney Week is in very good hands.

“Wayne, Vicky and their team bring with them enthusiasm, energy, plenty of ideas, initiative and commitment to guarantee its success. And, as a close friend of the late Ray Parkin, I am particularly moved by their decision to honour him with their chosen Alderney Week theme."

Pictured: Retiring Alderney Week lead organiser Ronnie Cairnduff (left) with Alderney Week 2022 lead organisers Vicky and Wayne Chandler.

It has also been confirmed that Miss Alderney will return this year and will play her traditional role at Alderney Week. 

The pandemic meant there was no new Miss Alderney in 2020 or 2021. Abbie Chandler, who was crowned in 2019, remains Miss Alderney for now. 

At Easter, a new Miss Alderney will be crowned along with a Little Miss Alderney and a Master Alderney. More details about those events will be announced in the next few weeks.  

Pictured: Abbie Chandler was crowned Miss Alderney in 2019 and there has been no event since then as a result of the pandemic. 

Pictured top: (l-r) Kimberley Clay, Claire Digney, Tracey and James Clarke, Vicky and Wayne Chandler and Caitlin Cotton.