No cider on show leaves sour taste

BEAN jar, gache and cider.

It's a potent combination and one that has been pulling in the crowds by their thousands for more than 40 years at Saumarez Park.

Le Viaer Marchi has a unique place in the island's calendar and in many people's hearts.

As an evening event at the start of the summer show season, it is largely seen as a locals' event. Yes, visitors are attracted by the quaint bonnets, top hats, parasols and folk singers but, for many islanders, Le Viaer Marchi is a chance to meet old friends for a chat, people they may not have seen for years and may not see again until another year has passed.

For that reason, the decision by organisers to call off tonight's evening of traditional island food and entertainment will not have been taken lightly.

People have come to expect that, rain or shine – and Le Viaer Marchi has something of a reputation for the clouds opening – the show will go on.

This year, there is an added difficulty. The visit of Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall in less than three weeks' time means that the park has to be at its best.

And with yet more rain in this wettest of early summers predicted today there is a danger that the ground will be churned up by people and vehicles beyond quick repair. Just ask Guernsey Festival farmer Jim Jamouneau how big a headache that can be.

For those hoping to visit the fair tonight it's a shame, but for those who have bought in tons of perishables especially for the evening it may be something more akin to a disaster.

Hundreds of loaves of gache and gallons upon gallons of bean jar are not easily offloaded to friends and family or tucked into the freezer for another day.

It's not an ideal situation but it should be remembered that this is a charity event run by volunteers. Nobody regrets the postponement more than they do.

Let us hope that a new date can be speedily found and, having temporarily lost their night out, islanders will enjoy their chat and cider all the more for having had to wait.