VIDEO: Thousands attend third Halkett Hoedown

Tuesday 29 August 2017

The sun was shining high on Sunday on Halkett Place and cowboys and cowgirls alike made their way down to Halkett Place for the third hoedown.

From 12:00 till late, the western themed street party brought music and entertainment to about 5,000 people, all in favour of not one but five good causes.

This third edition, hosted by legendary music presenter ‘Whispering’ Bob Harris, helped raise money for five local charities: Brig Y Don Children’s Charity, The British Heart Foundation Jersey, Headway Jersey, Mencap Jersey and The Jersey Alzheimer's Association. In the past, over £40,000 has been collected and donated to Headway.

After a two-year break, the Hoedown returned on Sunday and lived up to the aims of organisers David Stokes, owner of Bean Around the World, Niall MacFirbhisigh of Stoked Music and Louise Stirling fundraising and events coordinator. They announced it was going to bigger and better than last time, and it was certainly bigger, with a larger portion of Halkett Place closed off and transformed into a scene from a western movie. In addition, there were even more activities and entertainment, and not one but two stages: the traditional jack-knifed trailer provided by Paul Davies Freight and a smaller one on Burrard Street.

Local and UK acts shared the limelight on the main stage with hoedowners' favourites Joe Young & the Bandits closing the show. Earlier in the day, others played a mix of country, pop rock, folk and blues that had the audience dancing from the early afternoon till dusk and even after. Northampton singer and songwriter Emily Faye received a warm welcome and generously thanked the audience who happily bounced away to her country and pop rock songs.

Dancing was also on the cards a few blocks away at the Chordz stage. The music school put its talented students and teachers behind the mic as well as bands that captured the audience with their country tunes.

Video: Lloyd Yates performs at the Hoedown.

But dancing wasn't the only activity the audience, clad in hats and boots, indulged in. Between browsing the stalls, nibbling on some snacks and trying their best prisoner's pose in the Halkett prison, there wasn't a lazy cowboy to be seen in the crowd. As for the youngsters, they were not left out. For this third hoedown, the family zone had been extended and even included a carousel.

As the lights went down on the third hoedown, it was clear that it had been another success. Now that the cowboy hats have been put away, islanders already can't wait for the next occasion to dust them off.

Pictured: An even bigger portion of Halkett Place was closed off for the third hoedown with a bigger family zone near the library.