The Good Vibrations Festival is scheduled to take place on 19 June, which is five days after the government’s current Covid reconnection roadmap is due to permit the reintroduction of large-scale events and concerts.
The festival, which is held annually at St Ouen’s Bay, features a 1980s-themed surf contest, live bands and DJs, beach five-a-side football, mental-health workshops and an evening event at the Watersplash nightclub.
Jake Powell, event organiser, said it would be fitting for an event which raises money for mental-health charity Mind Jersey, and whose message is centred around ‘good vibes’, to be the first major event of the summer.
‘Our theme is centred around mental health, enjoying yourself and creating a positive message for everyone. Hopefully we can deliver exactly that and kick start a return to normality this summer,’ he said.
‘Everyone is really missing that social connection and release that an event gives you. Hopefully we can all come together this year for a good time.’
Mr Powell said that organisers had a back-up date later in the summer if the festival was unable to take place as originally planned.
‘Over the past five years, we have traditionally held the festival during the start of summer and on one of the longest days of the year,’ he said.
‘We have got contingency plans in place and we should be able to transfer everything to later in the summer if needs be.’
If the event does go ahead, Mr Powell is keen to see as many Islanders as possible get involved in one of the activities on offer.
‘The surf contest is a way to integrate new people into the sport and to encourage everyone not to take themselves so seriously. We then have the inflatable five-a-side pitches which are always a good laugh. There is plenty of opportunity for everyone of all ages to come down and have some fun,’ he said.
‘We are in conversation with all the right people and will constantly listen to the government’s advice. All money raised on the day will go to Mind Jersey and fingers crossed we can go ahead.’
