Shine up those cowboy boots... A Western-themed street party is back for its fourth year, and islanders are being urged to get prepared to do-si-do down town.
On 25 August, Halkett Place will be closed to traffic and town will meet country, with straw bales and western themed decorations for the Halkett Hoedown.
All proceeds will go to local charity, Macmillan Jersey, which offers free emotional support, practical information and group support to people in Jersey with any type of cancer and at any stage, along with their families and friends.
Pictured: The faces behind Macmillan - Kate Fitzpatrick , Lauren Perchard-Rees, Pam Aubert, Michelle Parker and Jorge Cabrejas.
The funds raised will go towards maintaining Jersey’s cancer support centre, where islanders can access complementary therapies, activities, group and social support, as well as diet and exercise advice.
Pam Aubert, Head of Fundraising for Macmillan Jersey, said: “Macmillan Jersey is delighted to have been chosen as the main charity to benefit from this year’s Halkett Hoedown. The event looks like it will be great fun with lots going on for all ages.
"Funds that Macmillan receive from this event will go towards supporting The Oasis, Macmillan Jersey’s cancer support centre. Without wonderful fundraising events like this we could not do what we do. A massive thank you to everyone involved.”
Pictured: Louise Stirling, Niall Macfirbhisigh and David Stokes have been organising the Hoedown since 2014.
First set up in 2014 by Louise Stirling, Niall Macfirbhisigh from Stoked Music and Bean Around the World owner David Stokes, the Hoedown raised over £20,000 for a variety of local charities in 2017, including Brightly, the British Heart Foundation, Headway, Mencap, the Jersey Alzheimer's Association and Acorn Industries.
This time around, they hope to raise even more and are appealing for islanders to volunteer on the day or contribute funds.
Volunteers will build and decorate jails, stores, stocks, bars and signs to set the Wild West scene perfectly and Western-themed fancy dress will the order of the day. Prizes will also be awarded to adults and children alike for the best outfit.
Pictured: Frankie Davies performing at the Hoedown in 2014.
There will be a lot of music with Country, Americana, Folk and Blues being the main themes once again. Local performers will share the stage with a number of up-coming young performers from Youth Arts Jersey.
Organisers for the Hoedown have promised to really raise the bar musically and are said to have contacted top UK and European agents to bring "amazing" artists to Jersey.
New for 2019 is the introduction of the Hoedown Afterparty for those who simply don’t want the day to end and want to dance a little later.
Pictured: The prison photobooth is a staple of the Hoedown that even St. Helier Constable, Simon Crowcroft, couldn't resist.
As for activities, no Western street party would be complete without line dancing. There will also be face painting, caricatures and the famous prison photo booth. Halkett Place will be lined up with food stalls selling Jersey cider and toffee apples among others and participants will get to enjoy drinks at the outdoor bar.
Giddy up! It's time to dust off your cowboy hats!
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