HUNDREDS of people turned out to mark the start of Alderney Week on Saturday.

Islanders and tourists packed Victoria Street to enjoy the opening ceremony, which featured town crier Robin Whicker, the KFA Dance Troupe and Cookie, the money-hungry Chinese dragon.

Gloomy skies and intermittent rain meant umbrellas and waterproof clothing were required by much of the crowd in St Anne. However, the KFA performers braved the bad weather to showcase four dances before local schoolchildren paraded the 75ft dragon.

Islander Emma Odoli won the town crier competition, which attracted a dozen entrants.

More than 30 athletes took part in the Fun Triathlon, which involved a swim in Braye Bay, an exhausting cycle to Fort Corblets and a run back to the start line.

In the evening, Brighton-based trio Lady Marmalade performed hits from the 1970s, 80s and 90s on the Butes, before the Mr Alderney contest. Local boy Ryan Capazario won that title after impressing the raucous crowd with his chat-up lines.

The first quarry party of the year then got under way and did not stop until breakfast on Sunday.

Speaking yesterday, chief organiser Ronnie Cairnduff said: ‘Everything’s going fabulously well. Despite the weather, we’re determined that nothing will be cancelled. We may have to postpone the odd event, but we’ll do all we can to make sure everything goes ahead.’