Harbour Carnival to make splash on Friday

Duck races, dinghy races, tug of war and the spectacular man-powered flight will all take place around St Peter Port Harbour, followed by a firework display.

Guernsey Round Table president Joe Oliver said the carnival has always been popular and hopes this year will follow suit after it was cancelled last year due to the pandemic.

‘We always hope there is a good turnout and as one of the last few remaining totally free events for the local community, we have traditionally had a good turn out,’ he said.

‘Even in 2019 when it was non-stop rain, we had 980 people break a world record, and full events with plenty of spectators.’

The variety of events means that everyone can get involved, from the children’s zone on the Albert Pier, to the ladies’ dingy race, which Mr Oliver said is ‘always the most popular and most competitive’.

He added: ‘Sadly we struggle to get entrants for the tug of war and man-powered flight, and this year is no different, but we do get a lot of enquiries and lots of local support.

‘Some folk may just turn up on the day, but we always look to accommodate them.’

Joe Coutanche, who was in the winning team for the man-powered flight in 2019, encouraged others to participate in the event.

‘It would be good to see as many people as possible getting involved and throwing themselves in as there’s no better time to do it,’ he said.

The Harbour Carnival started around 30 years ago and still remains a community favourite today.

‘Since 2008, when we started counting, we have raised over £200,000 for local causes,’ said Mr Oliver.

This year, money is being raised for

St John’s Ambulance.

n If you wish to sign up for any events, please contact harbourcarnivalgsy@gmail.com or for more information visit www.harbourcarnival.gg.