Join in the 'biggest party in island sport' tonight

The event will run from 5pm in St Peter Port.

‘The opening ceremony is the biggest party in island sport and everyone is invited,’ said games director Julia Bowditch.

‘Some of the athletes and team officials have travelled thousands of miles to come here and we want to give them a proper warm Guernsey welcome.

‘People still talk about the opening ceremony in 2003, when Guernsey last hosted the games, so come along and make memories. It’s a momentous event, we want to make this week one of the best weeks ever in recent Guernsey history.’

Central to the opening ceremony will be the symbolic mixing of waters, which is the Island Games’ equivalent of the lighting of the Olympic flame, when representatives from all 24 competing jurisdictions will combine water from each island in a display of unity and solidarity.

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How this will happen is being kept very hush-hush.

‘Each island has brought a container of water from their surrounding seas or streams, and it will be poured into a central water feature,’ said Ms Bowditch.

‘I can’t tell you too much about the water feature because we want to keep it a surprise, but I can tell you that it is stunning.’

The seafront will close from 4pm, and spectators are encouraged to arrive from 5pm, when the Big Band Collective will be on stage. The ceremony begins at 6.30pm with some short speeches, and the mixing of waters.

After the games are officially declared open with oaths and the raising of the games flag, just before 7pm 2,500 athletes and team members will leave North Beach and parade along the seafront.

Guernsey will head out last.

‘The teams will be interspersed with samba music, bagpipes, cheerleaders, majorettes, and the boys brigade, and Jet the puffin will be in a trailer pulled by a vintage Guernsey tractor.

‘Obviously it doesn’t have all the glitz and pyrotechnics of an Olympics opening ceremony, but we didn’t feel like it needed that,’ said Ms Bowditch.

‘We have St Peter Port harbour as our backdrop and what could be more beautiful than that?

‘There is a big feeling of anticipation in the air now, everyone is excited that after years of waiting, our moment to shine has finally come.’

Entry to the opening ceremony and games sporting events are free.

Organisers estimate that North Beach has room for up to 3,000 spectators, and there will be a big screen near the Crown Pier for those lining the seafront.

Events company Centre Stage has been working since Thursday to erect the stage and big screens.

‘We will be taking the stage down almost straight after the event, as one of the big screens will be needed at Footes Lane the following day,’ said company owner Kevin Taylor.

‘Also I’m sure everyone would like the car park back ASAP.’

Everyone is encouraged to consider walking, cycling or using free buses to get to the event.

There will be extended bike parking areas, and park and strides from the top of the Val de Terres, Ladies College, Sir Charles Frossard House, and Beau Sejour.

All buses are free, except the late-night weekend buses.

North Beach car park will be closed from noon.

Salerie Corner car park, Castle Emplacement, and the Odeon car park will be open but are expected to fill up quickly.