Alderney Week off to a flying start

Hundreds of people are estimated to have turned out in Alderney as the events got off to a start with the annual cavalcade on Monday and yesterday’s man-powered flight.

‘The start of Alderney Week has been a tremendous turnout, it’s really busy with people from the Bailiwick, the Channel Islands, residents and further afield,’ said Alderney States member Alex Snowdon.

‘You only have to look at the man-powered flight event, the beach was packed and it’s been a great success.’

Blonde Hedgehog hotel director Tracey Farquar-Beck has almost a full house this year, with just a couple of cancellations due to travel issues.

‘People book at the end of Alderney Week for the next year, so 12 months ahead, and they just hope they can get a flight when they release the dates,’ she said.

‘The atmosphere is fabulous and there is a great buzz, it’s very relaxed and jolly.’

A wide range of events will feature at Alderney Week, and yesterday morning saw more than 80 competitors take part in the Alderney Week fun run.

People of all ages started from Braye Common, running staggered distances which took them to the east of the island and back.

‘Alderney Week allows us to showcase the island as there are events going on across the island at different types of locations,’ said Mr Snowdon.

‘There’s beach and bunker events, as well as the street market and things going on in bars and hotels, which shows just what Alderney can achieve.

‘It’s great to see memories being made which will hopefully bring future visitors, and possibly even new residents or businesses to the island.’

Events continue until Saturday, when Alderney Week ends with the torchlight procession, bonfire and fireworks.