Viaer Marchi to bring to life traditional Guernsey

LE VIAER MARCHI returns with the best of traditional Guernsey tomorrow, with organisers promising a bumper event to herald the start of the island’s summer season.

The Viaer Marchi takes place at Saumarez Park tomorrow evening. Pictured at the Folk Museum are museum assistant Elainer Laine, in the foreground, and left to right behind, Sara-Jane Lampitt, National Trust vice-president and Viaer Marchi committee member, Fred Wynn, commercial drone pilot who will be photographing and filming the event from the air, Jemma Field, Viaer Marchi organising committee member, and Jake Le Gallez, Folk and Costume Museum manager. (Picture by Peter Frankland, 33368366)

National Trust vice-president Sara-Jane Lampitt has her fingers crossed for another event under cloudless skies.

‘Last year we had glorious weather, and at 5pm the next day the heavens opened and there was the most tremendous rainfall,’ she said.

‘I remember thinking that was a bit too close. Luckily, looking at the forecast for Monday, it looks ideal.’

The annual fair in Saumarez Park showcases traditional island crafts, foods, music and dancing, and has been enjoyed by generations of islanders and visitors since the 1970s.

Le Viaer Marchi lost one of its best-known craftsmen recently, when Nigel Lewis died in May.

Mrs Lampitt paid tribute to his dedication to traditional crafts and said he would be remembered at the fair on Monday.

‘The outstanding contribution award for preserving Guernsey’s heritage will be awarded this year to Nigel Lewis,’ she said.

‘He received the news he had been awarded the trophy shortly before he passed away. Fittingly it will be presented by the Lt-Governor to Nigel’s son, Jamie, and a team of family members will be there in his usual spot putting on a display of traditional woodcraft.

‘We need to safeguard these skills that make the Viaer Marchi what it is and underlines our heritage preservation goal. Some of our demonstrators have been with us for 50 years, this is why the outstanding contribution award was brought in.’

New at this year’s event will be the Little Big Brew Co selling locally-brewed beer and cider, along with lots of new stalls and ‘more food providers than ever before’.

The fair runs between 5pm and 9pm. Entry is £7 for adults, with accompanied children under 15 entering for free.

The trust is offering anyone who dresses in traditional Guernsey costume free entry, but Mrs Lampitt said they were expecting those qualifying to have made a special effort.

‘That’s full costume,’ she said.

‘Just putting on a red neckerchief won’t cut it.’