With a ticking clock counting down to Monday morning, Islanders in the most northerly part of the Bailiwick are beginning their final preparations before the wholesome madness that is Alderney Week begins.
Ask anyone from Alderney and you’ll instantly understand how special the week of festivities is for them, even without considering its history, having been firmly in islanders plans since 1908, and held annually since the 1970s.
This year seems to be no different with Cavalcade Day kicking off festivities tomorrow, (Monday 4 August).
That will include the parade and entertainment at The Butes, there’s also due to be a London-based brass band, “Brass United Social Club”, scheduled to perform as part of the Cavalcade, and throughout the week.
Other events planned for the week include traditional favourites such as the Daft Raft Race, a sandcastle competition, and a Torchlight Procession to conclude the festival on Saturday night. There will also be live music, carnivals, and other family-friendly activities throughout the week.
Some new events and “surprises” are also planned for the week. For the most up-to-date and complete daily schedule, it is best to check the official Alderney Week website or social media channels.
Parking prohibited
The States of Alderney have announced that several road closures will be in effect during Alderney Week, with no parking allowed today (Sunday, 3 August), between 12.00 and 17:00 on Braye Street, from between the Harbour Car Park and Douglas Quay.
Tomorrow, (Monday, 4 August) from 12.30 to 14.00 parking is banned on La Heche, Upper High Street, Victoria Street, Les Rocquettes, and the eastern end of the Butes Car Park.
Then on Saturday, (9 August) from 20.30 to 22:00 Connaught Square, Lower High Street, Victoria Street, Les Rocquettes, and the eastern end of the Butes Car Park are all prohibited.
The States advise drivers to be careful, use caution, and be patient when driving in areas where events are taking place and cars may be parked.
Visiting ships and extra flights
There should be a buzz on the island, as on top of the extra flights put on by Aurigny, there’s also an uptick in the amount of visitors arriving by boat.
Visit Alderney have taken time to note the arrival of three boats during Alderney Week, on the Monday, (Cavalcade Day) the Manche Iles Express will arrive at 08:45 with passengers are expected to disembark around 09:30.
The boat will then leave around 18:00.
On Wednesday, (6 August), the cruise ship Hebridean Princess will arrive in the evening with around 75 passengers, who will disembark the following morning, before the Hebridean Princess departs around 13:00 on Thursday, (7 August).
She’ll be back on the Saturday, 9 August), with another 75 passengers, who will disembark around 14:00. The ship will stay overnight and depart next Sunday, (10 August), at around 08:00.
Visit Alderney say the weather is expected to be fine for all three boats.
Ambulance and Rescue prepared
Earlier this week we learned that Ambulance and Rescue had sent their Flying Christine III to Alderney, to give islanders the chance to have a look around, and see what’s what.
The charity also unveiled a life-saving vehicle to the island, in the form of their new 4×4 ambulance. So should the worst happen, during Alderney’s best week, Paramedics should be aptly equipped.
