Princesses parade at the Opening Ceremony

By junior reporters Rebecca Hind and Fiona Fitton

A sprinkle of magic was added to the Guernsey 2023 opening ceremony on Saturday, as thousands of athletes, spectators and volunteers enjoyed a royal welcome by our favourite fairytale princesses and superheroes. 

While the crowd eagerly anticipated the parade of island teams who have travelled from across the world to compete in the Games, a number of special visitors graced the seafront. From Frozen sisters Honor and Elsa to Ariel, Rapunzel and Belle, as the princesses made their way through the masses, children and adults alike were able to see, meet, and take photos with their favourite characters. 

Sporting the island’s flags, the performers were another fun element of the very first day of the Guernsey Games, adding more of a buzz to an already enthusiastic crowd. 

In a moment of quiet, the performers agreed that the atmosphere was incredible. Rapunzel said the whole experience had been “rewarding and magical”, clear to see in the children’s faces. Else agreed that the “vibe was sparkling” with Ariel adding that her experience had been “absolutely amazing”. 

Joining the princesses were the Guernsey’s beloved team mascots – Guernsey FC’s Roary the Lion, Guernsey Rugby’s Rocky the Raider, Darcy the Donkey, the mascot for Guernsey's Island Games team, St John’s Bertie Badger, and Owlzat the Owl representing Guernsey Cricket. Other entertainers included bubble-makers, stilt-walkers and face-painters, all adding to the lively spirit of the games.