Islanders donned their guernseys in a colourful celebration of local heritage, while raising money for Les Bourgs Hospice.
Festivities included stalls selling locally-made products, traditional foods and competitions for lighthouse creations and most unusual accessories.
With a definite nip in the air, the weather could hardly have been better for showing off the island’s most famous knitwear.
Organiser Paul Eldridge of Guernsey Guernseys said the atmosphere was exactly what he had hoped for.
‘Somebody came up to me earlier and said, “I’ve never felt more Guernsey in my life. I’ve got my guernsey on, my bean jar in hand”,’ he said.
‘I love that people come down in all their different guernseys, it’s great to see.’
Mr Eldridge has organised the event since before Covid as part of his mission to bring the traditional jumper back into fashion. He has introduced new colours inspired by the island, and reflective yarns for a technical flair.
‘Guernseys had fallen out of favour a bit, and I’ve worked really hard to get them back,’ he said. ‘Keeping the tradition alive while having little twists that people love.’
Among those putting their own spin on the traditional knitwear were Kristie and Robert Banks, who held a stall for their new business, Le Courriqua. They launched in June after rescuing five pet sheep, and now have a flock of about 80, using the fleece to create softer Guernseys.
‘People paid to dispose of the fleece,’ said Mrs Banks.
‘It’s such a waste, so we thought, let’s do something with it.’
Though both locally raised, neither had enjoyed wearing traditional guernseys growing up, finding them too itchy. Their own range from blended wool aims to solve that issue.
Les Bourgs Hospice fundraiser Liz Stonebridge was feeling both grateful and lucky – having found her deep red Guernsey in one of the charity’s shops just weeks before the occasion.
‘We’re so grateful to be chosen again as the beneficiary for such a Guernsey thing,’ she said.
‘It’s been amazing seeing a revival in the guernsey and people actually being really proud to wear them.’
She said donations from the day would help support the hospice’s care team.
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