The VisitGuernsey initiative saw the seafront between the Albert and Crown piers close to vehicles from 2pm on Saturday, allowing people to enjoy a selection of food, drinks, arts and crafts stalls, al fresco dining and live music, with more than 20 stallholders between 4pm and 10pm on Saturday.
VisitGuernsey lead marketing officer Zoe Gosling said feedback from stallholders, businesses and the community had been ‘overwhelmingly positive’, with no outstanding logistical challenges due to Seafront Sunday taking place the following day.
‘We are delighted with the support the event received,’ she said.
‘Everyone seemed to really get in the spirit of the event, which visitors could enjoy but also gave locals that holiday feel.
‘A lot of the practicalities of hosting such an event were in place, it was simply a case of working with various stakeholders to extend and, in some instances, adapt.’
She said footfall had been ‘excellent’, with at least six food stalls selling out, and several businesses making an effort to extend their seating out, decorate and include special offers for the evening.
One seafront restaurant even reported its best ever day in terms of takings.
‘Many stallholders have commented that there was a great atmosphere, a good crowd and a wonderful community event,’ Mrs Gosling said.
‘More encouragingly, we know anecdotally that restaurants and retailers both saw an increase in bookings and sales compared to an average Saturday afternoon or evening.’
She said organisers would take the learnings from the pilot event and look at how more of the same could be incorporated, but bigger and better. No dates have yet been considered.
‘If we were to extend towards the roundabout, that would likely include stalls on the Crown Pier and would be more closely aligned with a traditional Seafront Sunday event.
‘That is certainly something we’re open to, if more stallholders would like to participate.
‘We were keen to retain all the St Peter Port parking for this trial event, as we were very conscious that it encroached on a busy shopping day for retailers, however we could certainly look at all options, in consultation with relevant businesses, as and when we take this event forward.’
Seafront restaurant Balthazar was a keen supporter of the idea from the start and owner Steve Le Poidevin said customers had loved the trial, and were eager to know when the next event would be.
He said he would like to see future events be held on separate weekends from Seafront Sunday, with one or two taking place every month over the summer period.
‘The seafront is under-utilised, it’s such a good space,’ he said.
He hoped the trial would re-energise an idea for the seafront he and Pingquay owner Simon Allum presented to architects a few years ago, which would see the entire stretch of seafront from Marks & Spencer to the Pollet become more pedestrianised and continental-looking.
An impression of the plans is available on Balthazar’s Instagram page.
‘There could be better al fresco dining options, you could put some lighting in, I’d also get rid of the narrow walkway outside the Ship & Crown,’ Mr Le Poidevin said.
‘Look what’s been done in Market Square, if something like that could be done along the Seafront, you could maybe even involve the new Victor Hugo Centre into it in some form as well.
‘Anything’s possible, it’s just about getting the plans moving.’
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