TWO of the more headline-grabbing events of the holiday weekend – apart from weather that could only be described as autumnal – were those that gave people an opportunity to gather and mingle.
Admittedly, the Vale Earth Fair was all about entertainment but, by contrast, closing Town’s sea front was an almost understated event.
Yet it was unashamedly popular with visitors and locals and the landlord of the Ship and Crown, who had sold out of lobster lunches by 1pm, estimated that three-quarters of those he saw were islanders.
In short, people thoroughly enjoy having traffic-free access to the front even if there is no particular reason for it. And that absence of vehicles is one of the factors that makes Liberation Day so popular and such a success.
People who went to Town for the Normandy Market also took advantage of the road closure to stroll around and it was heartening to hear the reaction of traders and island charities, who wondered whether it might be possible to take advantage of a future closure and set up a stall along the road.
To his credit, the Culture and Leisure minister has responded warmly to the suggestion and invited people to contact the department with any ideas they might have for making use of a closed sea front and, within reason, he will try to make it happen.
That is a refreshing change, for much of what islanders hear from government is why things cannot possibly go ahead or what new initiative will be launched to clamp down on aspects of people’s lives.
If the road was to be closed regularly, it would open up many possibilities, one of which was highlighted by the popularity of the French market and its fresh produce.
If, however, Culture and Leisure really relishes a challenge, closing the front and the Pollet on a Saturday, when the shops are open, would make for an excellent atmosphere and make all the key parts of Town a pedestrian precinct, which people would welcome.
So what about it, minister?