Andrew Hambleton-Relf is better known as Mr Bunny, playing reggae-infused tracks on Betty, his double bass.
‘My absolute highlight came as I was performing in front of the boat to Herm,’ he said.
‘I was watching a group of little kids waiting in line as they were boarding. They were laughing and dancing along as I played.
‘Then they got on the boat and must have told the captain about me, because next thing I knew they were shouting “Go Mr Bunny” out of the tannoy. It was really wonderful.’
He is a member of the Street Festival Committee.
‘I moved to the island four years ago and the young people have been really welcoming to me. I’ve found real joy in being a part of the island’s music scene.’
Mr Hambleton-Relf is passionate about spreading some of that joy to the local community though his music. Last year he won the Jack Honeybill Spirit of the Festival award.
‘It’s just such a wonderful thing. Its completely run by volunteers and all the money goes to the performers, which is incredible. It’s also so important for the youngsters in giving them exposure. We really hope we can secure the sponsorship for next year so we can go back to two weeks.’
Appreciating the joy the festival brought to both musicians and the wider Guernsey community was also a big draw of the day for Lucy Cave, another performer and another previous recipient of the Jack Honeybill award.
‘It’s a massively important event for musicians here. This is my fourth year coming back. It’s such a good opportunity to be pushed out of your comfort zone and build your confidence as a performer. But it’s also just really good fun. That’s why I keep on coming back. The atmosphere’s great and everyone’s just so friendly and happy.’
She said it was important to keep the festival going. ‘If it went, there’d be such a big gap.’
The Street Festival concludes today.
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