Street Festival award winners’ Candie concert

The two-week festival saw musicians and performers fill the streets of St Peter Port. Sunday’s event at Candie Gardens was one of the special Candie concerts which are held weekly throughout the summer.

The festival’s best under 18 award went to 17-year-old singer Isla Savory, who first took part in the festival in 2021 and loved it. ‘The festival is a special event and this experience gives you so much confidence,’ she said.

Isla enjoys singing slow songs, with jazz and blues. On Sunday her repertoire including songs by Adele and Duffy.

She said she was surprised to win the award.

‘I really did not expect it all, especially hearing everyone else. There is such talent.’

She said performing at Candie was quite different to the festival.

‘I’m feeling a little nervous. When you’re busking, if you make a mistake, people are walking by. I did not expect so many people here today. But I love performing.’

She is currently studying performing arts at college. Her main dream is to become an actor, but she also enjoys singing.

The best newcomer award went to singer and guitarist Freddie Surman, who also performed to the crowd on Sunday. It had also been planned that singer and guitarist Ben Grut would be performing. However, illness meant he had to pull out at the last minute.

Luckily singer Oscar Armenta – who won the festival’s best newcomer award two years ago – was able to step in at short notice and ensure the packed crowd had a full programme of entertainment.

Festival founder and chairwoman Claire Dawson said they were lucky to have so many good acts taking part.

‘It’s been amazing year for talent,’ she said.

The festival costs £47,000 a year to put on, that includes £21,000 paid to the local acts over the fortnight.