GSPCA Seafront Sunday attracts huge crowds

By early morning, cars were circling North Beach as people searched for somewhere to park.

GSPCA manager Steve Byrne said it was the charity’s ninth and biggest Seafront Sunday yet with more than 120 stalls lining the road from the Weighbridge to the Town Church.

‘We were extremely disappointed in May when we had to cancel what is our biggest fundraiser,’ he said. ‘We are very fortunate to have been able to reschedule for today as I’m not aware of any animal charity anywhere that will be holding an event on this scale this year.’

He said between 6,000 and 10,000 people normally attended the event. Stalls included a lot of animal charities and organisations including vets along with a huge range of craft and charitable stands.

‘We’ve got a fun dog event and mascot football which is one of the funniest things you will see – people trying to play football in costumes that make it difficult for them to see the ball.’

The hot weather would have made it very uncomfortable for those in costume. Brother and sister, James and Skye Smith, were GSPCA volunteers for the day. James spent most of it dressed as a lobster.

‘Our sister, Becki Bailey, works full-time for the GSPCA and when volunteers are needed she calls us in and we love helping out,’ said Miss Smith, 21.

Accountant Jodie Trebert and partner Matthew Renouf, both 21, said they went to most Seafront Sundays.

‘We’ve come today to look around the stalls and to give our 10-month-old Spanish Water Dog a chance to socialise,’ said Miss Trebert.

Colin and Michelle Mechem, of Petit Funfair, said in normal years they would have a presence at some 15 to 20 events but this year they had done about six. They provide water-based entertainment including water rollers for adults and boats for younger children.

‘I think we’re lucky to have done what we have as at Easter we weren’t expecting to do anything,’ said Mr Mechem.

It was a similar position for Bryony Vivian, of Guernsey Glasscraft.

‘We do all of these events as they are a good advert for us, and with tourists and cruise ships are well worth doing,’ she said. ‘We’re just lucky this year that Guernsey people have come out and supported us for which we’re very grateful.’

Nikki Trebert and Cooper, her cockapoo, were among those at The Quay.

‘We thought we’d come down early as it’s so hot today,’ she said.

Nursing practitioner Liz Harrison, 31, partner Rob Dorey, and their daughter Beatrice Dorey, 20 months, were trying a Seafront Sunday for the first time.

‘I think it’s a great and there’s a lot more down here than I expected,’ she said.