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Island Games opening ceremony: What’s on when

Island Games opening ceremony: What’s on when

Saturday 08 July 2023

Island Games opening ceremony: What’s on when

Saturday 08 July 2023


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

The Town seafront will close from 16:00, and spectators are encouraged to assemble along the seafront and on North Beach from 17:00.

The Big Band Collective will be on stage to get the party started.

The ceremonial element will begin at approximately 18:30 with some short speeches, and the symbolic mixing of waters. This is the Island Games’ equivalent of the lighting of the Olympic flame with water brought from each competing island. 

After the 2023 Games are officially declared open, the Games flag has been raised and the oath taken, the teams will leave North Beach and parade along the seafront.

They will be interspersed with the Rebellion Allstars cheerleaders, the Samba Burros, the Boys Brigade Band, the Guernsey Majorettes, a group of bagpipers, and Jet the puffin, who will ride in a trailer pulled by the vintage tractor.

Jet will be accompanied by some of his friends. 

North Beach has room for up to 3,000 spectators, and there will be a big screen near the Crown Pier for those lining the seafront. Thousands more are expected to congregate along the Quay. 

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.

With thousands of people expected to attend the ceremony, oganisers are encouraging everyone to consider active or alternative travel to town. 

There will be extended bike parking areas, and 'park and strides' from the top of the Val de Terres, Ladies College, Sir Charles Frossard House, and Beau Sejour.

The 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 but are expected to fill up quickly.

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

All events are free.

Follow Express for coverage throughout the week.

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