Alderney Cancer Relief event the most successful ever

ALDERNEY WEEK was this year extended for the first time to encompass Alderney Week Plus.

And the 'Back to the Sixties' headline event in aid of Alderney Cancer Relief is thought to have raised up to £13,000.

Around 1,000 people flocked to the Butes to watch the likes of Swinging Blue Jeans members Alan Lovell and Peter Oakman, Mick Avery of The Kinks and Eric Haydock of The Hollies rock out as the Class of '64.

Compere was BBC Guernsey's John Randall.

Organisers are hoping to have raised around £13,000 from the event after expenses are paid – making it far and away the most successful event that Alderney Cancer Relief has ever staged.

'We had a great time and the warmth coming from the crowd was phenomenal,' said Mr Lovell. 'All the artists were saying afterwards, "when can we come back?" We would love to return.'

He added that a bonus was unexpectedly meeting old friends after the gig such as former neighbour Jenny Bradley.

He, Oakman and Avery missed a gig they were supposed to perform in England on Sunday because of fog. But it all added to the fun. 'We had to stay in that terribly grim place at Braye Beach and eat at Rea's,' he joked. 'We need a rest now we're back. And I love your airport. Those ladies there couldn't have looked after us better. Every airport should have ladies like that.'

James Roberts, ACR chairman, said: 'It was an adventure. It was wonderful how everyone mucked in and pulled together for the event.'

Mr Roberts said it helped that liability insurance and the stage could be shared with Alderney Week, adding that if organisers were willing there could well be a repeat performance next year.

Around 20 grants are handed out by ACR to people in Alderney suffering from cancer every year – and none of the money raised goes on anything other than aid.

Other 'plus' events included an Olympic Ball and Music in the Sun, where local bands entertained crowds on the Sunday.

Alderney Week team member Ilona Soane-Sands said Alderney Week Plus had been well received.

'We think numbers were slightly down this year but people gave generously and all the events were very well attended,' she said.

'It would be great to do another Alderney Week Plus but we will have to wait and see what impact it had on tourism before we decide on that.'