BEM presented to Alderney Week legend

He said it was absolutely fantastic to receive the medal at all and a particular privilege to receive it, in person, from Lt-Governor Vice Admiral Sir Ian Corder, before the latter’s imminent retirement.

Mr Cairnduff retired – six years ago – from his role as the chief organiser of the flagship event on the northern isle’s calendar. However, he came out of that retirement in 2020 to help launch a Covid-compliant Alderney Week.

It was for this and for his four decades of service to entertainment and culture in Alderney that he was being honoured.

‘I’m time-rich, because I’m retired,’ he said.

‘And it’s not so easy for others who are working to find time to do everything that’s needed. Alderney Week is so big now, but I’m hopeful that we’ll have a new team in place for 2022.’

This year’s festival is being planned around the theme of Alderney Adventures – the show must go on, and takes place between Monday 2 and Saturday 7 August. The programme is still being finalised and will be unveiled at the beginning of July.

However, Mr Cairnduff confirmed the main staples of the event will be included, such as the harbour carnival, the daft raft race and the torchlight procession, plus a bonfire and firework display on the final night. He also revealed the return of pig racing at the Butes, for which the animals are already in training.

Fellow Alderney Week organiser Ilona Soane-Sands said the tides were making the timings rather difficult, so a few events could be switched around from their usual places in the schedule.

She also confirmed that the organising committee would be contacting director of Public Health Dr Nicola Brink’s office to make sure all events were fully compliant with all the restrictions that might still be in place due to Covid-19.

Bumper crowds are expected this year, with most accommodation and flights already booked.