A CIRCUS ringmaster has raised concerns about the impact a lack of inter-island ferry connectivity could have on shows and events planning to visit the Channel Islands – after juggling the “logistical challenge” of going from Guernsey to Jersey via Portsmouth.
Joel Hatton of Gandeys Circus said that, despite the extra time spent travelling, the carnival extravaganza was still expected open on time in the People’s Park this Friday.
DFDS is yet to reveal the details of its inter-island sailings, while Condor is operating crossings between Guernsey and Jersey once a week under its new schedule.
Mr Hatton explained that the lack of options had left the circus, which was recently cracking the whip in Guernsey, with no choice but to travel to Jersey via Portsmouth on the slow ferry.
“It’s just a logistical problem – obviously being a circus we are used to that,” he said.
But he added that the current situation was going to create “a lot of issues in getting events over here”, in terms of companies staging back to back shows in both islands.
“We’re so glad we’ve made it, because I’m sure there was a time that we were umming and ahing going ‘can we make this possible?’,” he continued.
“We will know to plan ahead in future but the sooner they reinstate that inter-island link it is going to help a lot of companies like us out.
“We’re lucky we are quite well organised and managed to make a plan.
“But if you have a touring production that’s just waiting for their normal day to book their theatre trip, or funfair or whatever you get over here – they might not have thought about it.
“We love it when we come here, the audience are always great – so hopefully they embrace us the same as they normally do and we keep coming in future.”
Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham has previously stated that both islands – and both ferry operators – are “committed to providing good inter-island services”.
DFDS recently revealed that its “routine inter-island offering” will begin in June, with plans currently being finalised “in conjunction with Island authorities and other ferry operators”.
