Viaer Marchi 'the place to be' on Monday

As the annual celebration returns this Monday, National Trust of Guernsey president Martin Ozanne (pictured) said islanders young and old love to go.

'There will be a First World War display – and we have booked them for next year – with a field hospital, examples of what people ate during the time, and they will be dressed up in costume. We will hopefully have them until the end of the centenary celebrations in 2018.

'There will be various music, demonstrations, craft work, stone cutting, all sorts. For children we have Punch and Judy and a story-telling area.'

Some 200 loaves of gache will be available, more than 400 doughnuts, Guernsey biscuits, vegetarian and pork bean jar along with Guernsey cider for the crowds to slake their thirst, Mr Ozanne said.

'There are also a number of new stalls and ideas. We have the Channel Island's Co-operative, who will have a marquee displaying the local produce they sell. We have a lamb BBQ and the traditional bric-a-brac stall, which is always very popular.'

Saumarez Park had benefitted from the prolonged spell of dry weather, Mr Ozanne said, so the area should not have any flooding troubles come Monday night – provided the sunshine stays around. Even if it were to rain, the event would still go ahead, he added.

'This is the place to be on the 7 July. I love seeing all the people. It is a place to meet up with friends, people who perhaps you haven't seen for a year.'

The event takes place at Saumarez Park. Gates open at 5pm and tickets cost £5.