The seafront was alive with activity, a perfect platform for the island’s good causes to showcase all the local work they do, in a bid to raise support. It was the first time the Association of Guernsey Charities had hosted a Seafront Sunday, after having to cancel their attempt last year due to bad weather.
‘This year it’s been great for us,’ said AGC director Steve Byrne, who organised the inaugural event.
‘It’s not quite beach weather, so we’ve got hundreds of people about. There are about 40 charities here, and 60 other stalls with everything from games to food.
'An average Seafront Sunday will see 8,000 to 10,000 people walking through. For some charities, you just can’t put a price on that level of exposure. They’re going to meet new people – some won’t have known that these charities even existed. This is the biggest event the AGC has ever held, with the most people we’ve ever seen. It’s just great. Hopefully we’ll do it again next year.’
The Majorettes, Boys’ Brigade and live music from GU10 amplified the day’s vibrant, charitable spirit. As manager of the GSPCA, Mr Byrne had also organised a popular Fun Dog Show, and hosted a big purple stall in aid of the island’s animals.
‘I have a little bit of experience having run GSPCA Seafront Sundays for 14 years,’ he said.
‘The Lt-Governor’s annual fete for AGC is amazing. We love being up at Government House. But you can’t compare it to the footfall you get here.’
The wide range of charity stalls stretched along both sides of The Quay. Liz Pirouet-Douglas, from the Guernsey Bereavement Service, said its first appearance at Seafront Sunday was proving successful.
‘We’ve have some good, quiet conversations with passers-by,’ she said.
‘The more clients we can support on their journey with grief, the better.’
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