Welcome return for West Show
THE West Show roared back to life yesterday after last year's Covid cancellation, with stunt rider Steve Colley to the fore in the arena, performing wheelies, jumps and freestyle kicks to entertain the crowd.
Families and regular show-goers flocked to the field to see the usual entertainment, as well as headliners Dr Phantasma and Meiron Owen and the Quack Pack, who are visiting the island for the first time.
In its best years, the show has had a footfall of 16,000 people, and organisers hoped to see similar numbers again this week.
Show president Mark Le Prevost has been involved in the show for 25 years, but this year is his first as president.
‘Who knows, it would be great to see those numbers again,’ he said.
‘It takes a whole year to plan – I get excited about the whole thing and the committee always pull together.’
With the funfair unable to come to the island this year, organisers hoped children would still enjoy the various activities on offer including The Petit Funfair’s water rollers, pedal boats and Little Pickles’ chair-o-plane.
‘There is still lots on for youngsters,’ said Mr Le Prevost.
Bailiff Richard McMahon, who is a lifetime patron of the show, was being shown around the tented exhibits before the showground formally opened.
‘It’s fantastic to see the variety of classes that people enter, especially by children because they’re the future of the event,’ he said.
‘It shows skill and immense creativity.
‘It really shows that you don’t have to leave the island to have a good time.’
The entertainment continues today with repeat shows from all the performers, as well as a one-time performance from the traditional Guernsey dancers at 4pm, followed by a vintage tractor display.
