Golden anniversary for Le Viaer Marchi
LE VIAER MARCHI is encouraging visitors to wear gold, stallholders to bring gold and bees to produce their golden honey to mark its 50th year.
The golden theme will run throughout the heritage event at Saumarez Park on Monday, using the colour to celebrate turning 50, with traditional games and crafts for visitors to experience. There will even be some golden honey provided by the Guernsey Beekeepers’ Association to possibly be raffled off on the day.
Le Viaer Marchi chairman Andrew Carey, whose grandmother Peggy Carey founded the event, said it was always a great family occasion.
‘It’s not going to be too dissimilar to any other year, other than there’s going to be a lot more of a golden colour to it to celebrate 50 years,’ he said.
‘We have about 6,000 people who come every year, and with three generations now that have attended, it is more than likely that people will bump into others they have not seen for years.
‘It’s great for family for that reason, so we have put it on free for all children accompanied by an adult.’
National Trust president Tony Spruce said the event was often considered by locals as heralding the start of Guernsey’s summer.
‘Set up to mark Guernsey’s history, this event is now part of the island’s history,’ he said.
‘It’s a fundraiser, so any money raised will go to the National Trust.
‘There will be plenty of food, stalls, the Guernsey Military Company, demonstrations of Guernsey crafts, traditional dancers and singers and Guernsey’s famous dish bean jar, which is similar in style to a casserole. We also have entertainment from a Punch & Judy Show.
‘It’s going to have a great atmosphere.’
The event’s main sponsor is The Channel Islands Co-operative Society.
n Le Viaer Marchi takes place on Monday, with entry from 5pm. Free parking will be available at Home Farm field and entrance to the event is £6, but free for children under 16 accompanied by an adult.
