Crowds take to Town on Liberation Day. The seafront is due to be closed for two days in August.
THE seafront will be closed for two days in August – but it has nothing to do with roadworks. On the last two Sundays of this month, people will be able to enjoy a car-free atmosphere and alfresco dining.
From Woolworths to the Weighbridge roundabout and the Pollet will be closed on 24 August, the bank holiday weekend, and 31 August from 11am-8pm. The Crown Pier car park will also be closed. The initiative was driven by Culture and Leisure minister Mike O’Hara.
‘I have been keen to introduce such an idea for some time and I am delighted that we are now in a position to bring this about. Local families will be able to rediscover our seafront and enjoy alfresco dining in a relaxed and informal atmosphere.’
The closure had the support of bars and restaurants in the area.
Marita Iversen, who owns the Randy Paddle in North Esplanade, said that although the pub would be closed on the days concerned, she felt it would work well.
‘I think it’s a brilliant idea and it should be done all the time. In the summer when it’s really nice it will be good for places to have alfresco and for people to be able to sit outside, especially when we have cruise liners coming in all the time.
‘We are trying to be more Continental, but we are going about it the wrong way. I’m from Norway and if you want alfresco there, you don’t have to apply for it. The island needs something like this.’
Riva manager Christian Carbone said his restaurant would be offering outdoor dining on both Sundays. The first coincides with the Pollet Food Festival, so it will operate on that side. The second weekend’s dining will be available on the seafront.
‘From a tourism point of view, the more people dining outside the better. It certainly creates an ambience. I think it’s a fantastic idea.
‘There is a definite demand for alfresco at the moment. We should make the most of the good weather. I think it will make a difference for the bars and restaurants and especially for the smokers.’
The dates were picked to coincide with not only the food festival but also the second visit of the Normandy Market on the 24th and the SeaGuernsey Aqua Challenge on the 31st.
As with Liberation Day, alcohol-free zones will be introduced for both days.
It is also hoped that street entertainment will feature and anyone interested in busking on the days should contact Paul Belben on 723552.
Article posted on 1st August, 2008 - 2.29pm
Most Commented: