Thousands descended on St Martin for the 67th annual fête which featured beach games, fairground rides as well as the infamous spaghetti-eating and yard of ale drinking competitions.
John Surcouf guzzled his plate of pasta in an impressive time of one minute 38 seconds. And the established competitive eater was also crowned winner of the men’s yard of ale competition with a time of 24 seconds.
Meanwhile, Amber Ozzy won the women’s yard of ale competition with a time of one minute, two seconds.
Vivan, James, Georgia (8) and Johnny (6) Gairdner from Sussex said that they thought the fête had got a lot bigger since they had left Jersey.
Mrs Gairdner said: ‘It is amazing. We used to live in Jersey but moved to the UK around six years ago.
‘We really like the traditional side of it, the beach games are great.
‘I do not think you get to do this anywhere else.
‘I do not think Gorey has lost its charm at all since we moved too, it has hardly changed.’
Michel Le Troquer, Constable of St Martin and president of the Gorey Fête committee, said the event had been ‘great’
‘Last year we gave around £16,000 to over 32 different charities and we hope to do the same again,’ he added.
‘Running the fête can be very expensive, the fireworks alone cost just under £7,000 which our sponsors, Jersey Mutual, very kindly took care of.
‘It is a very community-based event, many of the farmers nearby have helped us prepare for it.
‘They brought their tractors and fork-lifts down to help us move a number of benches and flower beds.
‘So many people have helped this event happen, yet again, and I cannot thank them enough.’
Meanwhile, twins Avia and Imogen won the bonny baby competition in the six months and under category.
There was a tie for first place in the six to 12-month category with Beau and Alexander taking the title, Theo won the one to two-year-old category and Romy came first in the two to three-year-old category.
The organisers did not have the winners full names.
Angela and Emma Hoggarth (11), Abbie Denby (3) and Tina Barnsley, who had travelled to Jersey from Preston said that they enjoyed the fête.
‘We only got here yesterday, we are just hoping the weather stays good,’ Ms Hoggarth added.
‘This is our first time in Jersey and we are staying for five days.’
