Director and volunteer coordinator Andrew Pouteaux has been involved with the festival since it was known as the Town Carnival – run by his late friend, and local charity stalwart, Jack Honeybill – whom he fondly recalls meeting.
‘I was born in Alderney, and then spent 40 years in the UK and America before returning to Guernsey in 2008,’ said Mr Pouteaux.
‘I stepped off the boat, walked into town and heard music playing, but couldn’t find out why or what it was all about. Eventually the tourist information office put me in touch with Jack Honeybill. I sent him a text saying “great carnival, lousy organisation” as there was nothing to promote it. He said we should meet for coffee and that was it, the start of a long friendship.’
The pair worked together for many years, supporting performers and promoting the island as their platform. Mr Honeybill, who passed away two years ago at the age of 81, had dedicated himself to supporting the local arts community. He also organised the Sunday concerts at Candie Gardens for many summers. Now, Mr Pouteaux continues his good friend’s legacy and is always on the lookout for more
helpers.
‘The young people of Guernsey have got huge talent and it’s lovely to provide them with a stage to perform,’ he said.
‘It’s a wonderful thing.’
During the two-week-long street festival, teams of volunteers – starting at either end of town – set-up the stages, equipment, banners and boards each morning, and then dissemble and clear everything away after the final sets of every day. Mr Pouteaux said corporate volunteer teams, such as Aspida, have been a loyal, valuable asset to the festival team.
He recruits others simply through speaking to friends, family and other islanders. He said the kind and keen response he often receives heartens him. But the charity is always in need of more volunteers, not only for its flagship festival, but also to help with the Sunday Candie Concerts.
‘When you explain what you’re trying to get done and the importance of it, most people are very willing to help,’ he said.
‘Though their time is often already tied-up, and many are already committed to various other volunteer roles. You’ve got to remember that these guys are not employees. So when I say “there’s a team turning up on Saturday”, I don’t know if that’s going to just be me, someone else and a dog. You can’t guarantee everyone will show, but it’s normally a pretty good turnout – I usually hope for six out of 10 and in general people are very, very willing to help. And that’s what’s so warming. They turn up and do the heavy-lifting jobs I used to do, that I’m no longer up for. I also really want to give thanks to all the corporates who help us. Titan, who used to be Ravenscroft, supported the town bunting throughout, and sponsor the work we do at Candie. These corporates give life to our input. We turn up with a good idea and they help make it happen.’
The Guernsey Street Festival is also in charge of putting up the bright and colourful town summer bunting.
‘When you’re standing there at the right time, and you’ve got the flowers along all the shops, the town bunting hanging across the street and music playing – Guernsey seems like a place that’s happening,’ said Mr Pouteaux.
‘It’s a great little charity, and absolutely everything depends on our volunteers. We wouldn’t get anything done without them.’
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