Samba, bagpipes, a big band, cheerleaders, majorettes, and a vintage Guernsey tractor, are all part of the entertainment. 

The highlights include the water ceremony at North Beach, and the parade of around 2,500 athletes and team members from North Beach to the Albert Pier.  

Amanda Hibbs, communications and events for the Natwest International Island Games, said they had gathered some of the island’s best musical, vocal, and performance talent. 

“There is a wonderful Guernsey feel to this event because all of the acts and entertainers are locally based, and all of the support is being provided by local companies. We have hundreds of musicians, singers, performers, and entertainers, many of them children, who are currently rehearsing hard,” she said. 

Pictured: The opening ceremony at Guernsey 2003.

“As the teams parade along the seafront, they will be interspersed with the Rebellion Allstars cheerleaders, Samba Burros, the Boys Brigade band, Guernsey Majorettes, a group of bagpipers, and Jet the puffin, who will ride in a trailer pulled by the vintage tractor," continued Ms Hibbs.

North Beach car park will be closed from noon so that a stage, big screen, loudspeakers, and seating can be set up. 

The Town seafront will close from 4pm, and spectators are encouraged to assemble along the seafront and on North Beach from 5pm, when the Big Band Collective will be on stage to get the party started. 

The ceremonial element begins at approximately 6.30pm with some short speeches, and the symbolic mixing of waters, which is the Island Games’ equivalent of the lighting of the Olympic flame.  

After the Games are officially declared open and the Games flag has been raised and the oath taken, the teams will leave North Beach and parade along the seafront. 

Pictured: Rebellion Allstars get ready for the Island Games opening ceremony. 

North Beach has room for up to 3,000 spectators, and there will be a big screen near Crown Pier for those lining the seafront.  

The crowd around the Tourist Information Centre will be treated to family entertainment, including face painters, magicians, hair braiders, bubbles, a selection of film characters and Disney princesses and six island mascots. 

The LGBTQ charity Liberate will be handing out Pride in Sport laces and sweatbands. Visit Guernsey has thousands of flags to give out to spectators. Staff from the Health Improvement Commission will be distributing fruit.  

Around 300 volunteers in green t-shirts will be helping Guernsey Police and Guernsey Civil Protection to ensure crowd safety. 

Games director Julia Bowditch said the event would highlight island hospitality, pride, togetherness and talent. 

“The opening ceremony will set the tone for the whole Games, so we’re encouraging islanders to come out, cheer, wave, and have a good time. We want to give the visiting athletes a proper Guernsey welcome to our special and unique island. 

“People still talk about the 2003 opening ceremony, so come and be part of history. There’s going to be a festival family atmosphere, and spectators might want to wear the colour of the team that they are supporting. We’re combining the beauty of St Peter Port with a celebration of sport and friendship, so it’s going to be an absolute belter.” 

Organisers are encouraging everyone to consider active or alternative travel. There will be extended bike parking areas, and park and strides from the top of the Val de Terres, Ladies College, Sir Charles Frossard Houseand Beau Sejour. 

Buses are free for the whole week of the Games, except the late-night weekend buses. 

Salarie Corner car park, Castle Emplacement and the Odeon car park will be open. 

In the six days that follow the opening ceremony, athletes from the 24 islands will compete across 14 sports at 25 different venues. 

Al the events are free to attend.

Pictured top: Rebellion Allstars in action.