Hopes for 'awesome' Pride despite ferry problems

Channel Islands Pride organisers have insisted this year's event will be "awesome" despite the setback of a cancelled inter-island ferry service.

Islands Unlimited, which runs a daily inter-island foot passenger service, has ended the season early due to an engine failure on its MV San Pawl vessel.

Channel Islands Pride is due to take place from Friday to Sunday with the main village area at La Vallette Bathing Pools in St Peter Port, Guernsey.

Ellie Jones, Pride director and chief executive of LGBTQ+ charity Liberate, said the "disappointing" situation would impact about 100 day trippers that she knew of - but added Islands Unlimited "couldn't have done anything more".

The daily ferry service between Guernsey and Jersey, with weekend sailings to Alderney, was due to run until 18 October.

Islands Unlimited said the cause of the problem was found after an extensive technical investigation and it recognised "the disruption and disappointment this will cause, particularly for passengers with upcoming travel plans".

The operator said it fully intended to return in 2027 and would complete the necessary engine replacement and associated works over the coming months and "build greater resilience" into its operation.

"We want to celebrate across the islands and it's going to stop a few people coming," Jones said.

"It was the first time we'd been able to have a day trip for Pride between the islands.

"It's disappointing that hasn't happened but Islands Unlimited couldn't have done anything more and they informed us quickly."

Jones said previously organisers feared the ferry issue would also scupper the scheduled attendance at Pride of choir Lavender Menace.

However, she said another charity had helped them charter a boat for the group and it was hoped most visitors would be heading over for the full weekend via other modes of transport.

Jones said excitement was building for Pride, in part due to the event's new location at the Bathing Pools, while she expected the parade to be "awesome".

"We think it's going to be one of the prettiest Prides in the world," she added.

"The backdrop is absolutely beautiful - the historic seafront at St Peter Port - it's really exciting to see how that all pans out."

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