Le Viaer Marchi back to a full event and brilliant best

The National Trust event was back fully after two years of disruption due to Covid, although a smaller event, Le Petit Viaer Marchi, was held last year in the grounds of the Folk and Costume Museum.

The event takes 10 months in planning, and organiser Sara Lampitt said that the well-oiled event template had proven itself once again.

‘It’s just so rewarding having everyone here again,’ she said.

‘Our opening singer, Anya Mancini, is on and she’s great. We’ve got a magician wandering round who is providing all ages with some fun, small businesses, flower stalls and contests, and the Lt-Governor arriving for his first Viaer Marchi and a pint of Rocquette cider.’

She added that Jacquie Mancini, the granddaughter of Viaer Marchi founder Peggy Carey, was also in attendance.

There were a number of stalls.

Amelia Smitheram, of Willow & Bloom, said that it was great that Le Viaer Marchi was back again, and the sunshine was the cherry on top.

‘The sun is out, I’ve got a glass of cider and people are interested in my work which is great,’ she said.

Her nature-themed resin art and jewellery had already landed her some commissions and the stall was bustling.

Terry Mumby and Sandy McClean were at the Saumarez Park event on Monday evening with two Dutch friends who were visiting the island.

‘We’re so glad to see the Viaer Marchi back and it’s such a lovely atmosphere,’ they said.

They had just bought some bean jar, and despite the ever-growing queue, they said that the staff on the food stall were fabulous and they only waited for five minutes.

Their visiting friends were unsure about the traditional Guernsey dish to begin with, however soon discovered a taste for it.

The entertainment over the evening included traditional Guernsey dancing, singing performances and an impressive entrance from the Boys’ Brigade Band, who circled the field, escorted by two police officers, before entering the arena.