A BUSY start to a packed season of events has showcased the vibrancy of the Island’s summer season, the St Helier Constable has said, with more to be done to bring visitors to town.
Thousands of Islanders and visitors were out over the long May Day weekend, with the Barclays Jersey Boat Show, the Portuguese Spring Festival at Havre des Pas and the Lib in the Square music festival the leading events.
Although attendees had some adverse weather to contend with during parts of Saturday, the crowds were healthy across the weekend. This follows the Delicious Jersey Food Festival on the final weekend of April, and sets the stage for events over the next month, including the annual Liberation Day celebrations and international festivals of blues – in mid-May – and motoring at the start of June.
“I hear criticism about there not being anything to do in Jersey, but there’s a tremendous amount going on, with numerous events,” St Helier Constable Simon Crowcroft said.
“The feedback I had from organisers of the Portuguese Festival was really positive, and I’d hope they’ll build on that in the future – it was really positive for the new operators at the Lido as well,” he said. “The boat show was amazing and the people who make that event happen deserve great plaudits.
“The weather wasn’t ideal at some points, and I know there are some global and local pressures that have affected some people’s ability to spend money when they go out, but I think what we’ve seen already this year shows what a huge number of opportunities there are for people to get involved and enjoy themselves, whether it’s music, sport or food events.”
Mr Crowcroft, who steps down from the role in early June after almost a quarter of a century as Constable, said he would like to see the season stretched out a bit more.
“In Granville they have their carnival in February, and while that’s quite early, the St Patrick’s Day festivities here [in mid-March] have been successful in the past when we have staged them, and that’s something I’d like to see brought back,” he said. “If you kick-started the season at that time of year, there’s a natural progression into the Easter holidays and then the established run of events from the start of May.”
Among the forthcoming events over the next two months are: Liberation Day (9 May), the International Blues Festival (15/16 May), the International Motoring Festival (4-7 June), Songs for Liberation (20 June), Armed Forces Day (27 June) and the Accuro Jersey Triathlon (28 June).
