States of Alderney President William Tate hosted a meeting of 15 influential islanders to plan a sparkling long weekend of festivities to mark Her Majesty The Queen’s seventy years of service.
A programme of events is now taking shape to commemorate the Platinum Jubilee which takes place between Thursday June 2nd and Sunday June 5th.
Representatives of the island’s hospitality venues and entertainment organisers, together with the President’s Office, Visit Alderney and Age Concern, have mapped out four days of events, fetes, concerts, street parties and Jubilee lunches and dinners.
Pride of place on menus for the weekend will be reserved for Alderney’s own Platinum Pudding, created by the Island’s branch of Age Concern as part of the Fortnum & Mason national competition.
Running throughout will be a competition to find the best decorated houses and gardens and sports clubs will be competing for Jubilee Trophies designed by impresario Ronnie Cairnduff who is also organising a number of musical events featuring local bands and choirs.
For children, there will be face painting, a treasure hunt and special trips on board the Island’s famous train. Paintings by schoolchildren will also be displayed.
Highlights will be an afternoon picnic and party on the Butes with food stalls and bar with a separate event at nightfall to light a giant beacon designed by Ronnie Cairnduff and States Works Department to tie in with UK-wide beacon lighting.
A Saturday fete is also being organised at Frette Farm by The Blonde Hedgehog which wants to hear from any island organisation or business that wishes to take part – contact Tracey Farquhar-Beck at the Blonde Hedgehog.
All of the Island’s restaurants are creating special Sunday Lunch menus for June 5th, with head chefs eager to include Age Concern’s Platinum Pudding as their Queen of Desserts. There will also be a Gala Dinner on the Friday evening at the Braye Beach Hotel.
“I am thrilled at the responses from everyone concerned,” said Mr Tate. “This is going to be a spectacular long weekend not least because there are so many enthusiastic and committed establishments in Alderney.”
He added that the programme is still in its formative stage and anyone who wishes to propose an additional event should contact Gill Trousdale in the President’s Office.
The main picture shows William Tate and his wife Gabrielle (centre) at the meeting of local restaurateurs and event organisers.
