The sixth annual Castel Church Donkey Day was a roaring success with a record number of people attending this traditional family event. The organisers, stall holders and volunteers alike were blessed with lovely sunny weather on the May Day Bank Holiday at the Castel Fairfield. Crowds of people visited throughout the day, setting up picnic blankets on the grass and tucking into barbecue food (which sold out in record time!), tea and home-made cake, and other delicious treats from farmers market stalls.
There were plenty of things to amuse the little ones with games run by Little Buttons Nursery, face-painting by Joni, as well as plate smashing and coconut shy games that drew big crowds. The Youth Commission were also there making milk carton wallets with the children. The donkeys, goats and other livestock from Rodney Dyke's farm were another highlight of the event. A huge thanks goes to him and his family of helpers for bringing them down to the fête year on year.
Live entertainment included an acoustic set from Mick Le Huray and traditional Guernsey dancing from Belles and Broomsticks. A new addition to the line-up were B Creative who's street dancing teams of all ages really rocked the Fairfield from the word go!
The grand raffle was very popular with over 2,000 people entering the draw to win prizes* of £500 cash, 2 return flights to Gatwick with Aurigny and a trip to Herm with a meal at the Mermaid. As well as raising money for the Castel Church, donations from the profits will also be made to the Youth Commission, The Tumaini Fund and The Donkey Sanctuary.
It was a spectacular day with so much going on which was only made possible by the tireless effort of the church congregation, friends and family and parish volunteers, so lots of thank you’s all round! A special mention must be given to the generous land owners who provided extra parking space in their fields to make accessing the event as easy as possible. And of course, to everyone who supported the event, whether you helped, attended or just bought a raffle ticket, it all contributes to making the Castel Church Donkey Day a successful community event.
* Castel Church Donkey Day Grand Raffle winning ticket numbers are: 1st Prize (£500 cash) - 1960. 2nd Prize (Aurigny flights) - 1157. 3rd Prize (boat & meal in Herm) - 0092. All winners have been contacted.