JERSEY Live could soon be Guernsey Live. If the States of Jersey decides to charge organisers with the cost of policing the festival, they may look to host it in Guernsey instead.

‘At the moment, we plan to set up meetings in Guernsey to consider a possible Guernsey Live festival. However, this could be a relocation for Jersey Live if costs increase beyond our budget,’ said organiser Warren Holt.

The strain of the event on Jersey Police forced them to bring over nine extra officers from the UK, at a cost of £27,000. They will decide later in the year if organisers should cover the cost of policing for future events.

‘It sounds like they are trying to get a freebie off Guernsey Police, but I can’t see an event like this coming out of our policing budget, unless Tourism were willing to pick up the bill,’ said Home Department minister Mike Torode.

He added that he had no idea why organisers thought the cost of policing would be cheaper in Guernsey and he would not lend his support to such a move.

Chief Inspector Ruari Hardy said that no formal approach had even been made to Guernsey Police and if the organisers were keen on organising a similar event over here, there would need to be some very early, meaningful discussions.

‘We wouldn’t want to scupper any plans to pursue it here, but we have to think realistically about our ability to police such an event. It is worthy of note that Guernsey Police have less resources than the Jersey Police in respect to establishment and numbers.’

n Victor Hugo Festival musicians have been offered free transport to Guernsey by Condor after finding out that a ban on instruments on flights would ruin the event.

‘Condor is proving to be a lifesaver for us and its generosity over the fares has saved the day,’ said a spokesman for the festival.

Flybe has also offered a refund to the festival organisers for the seats for musicians forced to make alternative arrangements.

‘Both their great kindness and generosity will help us meet the extra travel costs by road and rail incurred in getting musicians to southern UK ports.’