Great atmosphere for Games opening ceremony in Town

With speakers all the way along to the Albert Pier and a large screen at the Boathouse, the crowds could follow along with the antics at North Beach, while remaining firmly in their spots for the parade.

Music from the Big Band Collective entertained the audience before teams were introduced for the water ceremony. Those along the seafront saw island icons such as Roary the Lion, the bubbleologist and appearances of people on stilts.

Flynn Perkins, 11, was at the opening ceremony with his family.

‘I’m really excited to go out and watch sports,’ he said.

‘I get to go next week with my school and we’re going to see the athletics.’

He said that Castel School had three days where children would be watching the Island Games.

While the crowds were entertained, the teams got ready for duty.

Swimmer Tom Hollingsworth, was the Guernsey flag bearer at his eighth and final games.

‘It’s such an honour to be the flag bearer at the home games, I feel really privileged and I just hope to make it the best one yet,’ he said.

‘It’s amazing down here with the crowds and the atmosphere, and it’s motivating for us to try and do the best we can.’

The island’s water carriers, swimmer Hannah Kennedy and bowler Catherine Bonsall, had collected the water from Havelet Bay ahead of the ceremony.

‘It’s an honour to have been chosen, especially for our first games,’ said Catherine.

‘It’s great to see it all come together now that we’re finally here.’

They said that it was interesting to meet people from different islands that they would not have met otherwise.

Water from all 24 islands was mixed together, as an equivalent to lighting the Olympic flame.

A surprise water feature was unveiled at the opening ceremony, based on the medal design by local graphic designer Chloe Sarre.

The water feature will now be moved to Footes Lane for people to enjoy.