Big Day Out marks success so far against virus

CELEBRATING the end of lockdown and the island surpassing 100 days of no active cases of Covid-19, hundreds of islanders went to Government House yesterday for the Bailiwick Big Day Out.

After starting her business, Guernsey Wax Melts, when she was furloughed, Alyssa Hale had a stall selling at the Big Day Out showcasing her work. (28587052)

The aim of the day was to support local charities and more than 80 small businesses as, with travel restrictions, most islanders would be staying in Guernsey for the summer and there has been a huge emphasis on supporting local.

The Bailiwick Big Day Out event gave charities and small businesses the chance to raise their profile and make some money after lockdown. (28587038)

From home-made food stalls, to ice cream trucks, to rides and arts and crafts tables, there was something for everyone.

Even the emergency service vehicles were on hand for kids to sit in and learn about what the services do, as well as military vehicles and bikes.

Twins Keira and Alicia Smith, 9, sitting on a BSA military motorcycle.(28587044)

While the Guernsey Concert Brass band entertained with live music, children were chasing after giant bubbles that were being blown by Megs Bailey and Bryan Marsh.

Marcus Allen said his son Freddie made a bee-line for the bubbles as soon as they walked in the gates.

How about that for a Bailiwick bubble? Megs Bailey along with Bryan Marsh, was making huge bubbles. (Pictures by Adrian Miller, 28587040)

‘It’s a brilliant event, absolutely huge, with so much going on for the kids to get involved with,’ he said.

One of the stall-holders was Alyssa Hale, from Guernsey Wax Melts. She started the business during lockdown when she was furloughed and said: ‘Now it’s great to be out of lockdown and be able to showcase what I’ve been working on.

‘Events like these are so important to give a platform to small local businesses that rely on the support of islanders.’