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2020 was a year like no other... please don't press replay!

With events of all genres being cancelled around the world there was a period when we feared and expected The Vale Earth Fair would also become a victim of the Covid pandemic.

But Guernsey worked hard to overcome some of the worst effects of the virus and was able to take advantage of our Island situation by closing the borders to all but essential visitors. This enabled us to return to a fairly 'normal' life!

The Vale Earth Collective soon saw a unique opportunity to organize one of the very few Music Festivals to take place in 2020... IN THE WORLD!!!

But this amazing achievement needed some new thinking. Instead of the usual visiting headline acts the 2020 Vale Earth Fair was going to have to look within our Island for all the acts.

Over the years this Festival has grown to offer five different stages - both big and small - so you'd imagine that it was going to be a challenge to find fifty+ acts in the small Island of Guernsey... but no.

Everyone here who enjoys the live music scene during a normal year knows that there is a massive depth of local talent playing week in, week out. So the acts were booked and we were lined up for a very special (Internationally) music festival.

Perhaps the one unanswered question was 'would the locals turn out to support a festival without the visiting headline acts?'

But there was no need for the worry as when the day started in bright sun the punters turned up in huge numbers and they appreciated how lucky they were to be able to enjoy meeting friends, having a drink and listening to the talented lineups on each stage.

In the end the 2020 VEF turned out to be a special vintage. Well done to all those who made it happen. Thank you.

Now you may be wondering why my coverage of the 2020 VEF has only just been added to the galleries? Well, that's a long story so will have to wait for another Blog!

You can view the Gallery by following this link:
CLICK HERE TO VIEW PICS OF THE 2020 VALE EARTH FAIR

Whatever 'your thing' is it is likely that some of your best memories have been made whilst participating in an event, sport or endeavor.

As you will see if you spend a few moments (could easily run to hours!) scanning my picture galleries I have photographed hundreds and hundreds of different occasions.

I'm grateful that I've been able to sell many of my pics featured in the galleries and many sales are of traditional prints... always a good choice, and the bigger the better if you want to enjoy the detail.

But the modern world seems to favour the Digital version of an image. This does make sense of course as you can load the pic onto your phone and you can carry it with you everywhere.

But I want to try and tempt you if you are considering buying a couple of pics. Maybe you should consider selecting a few favorites and let me design a Framed Montage for you.

The end result - after you OK my design - is an impressive image that will hang on the wall to remind you of that 'special moment'. You will see extra detail in your Montage and everyone else can see it too.

If I've tempted you there is an easy process to ordering your very own custom designed Montage.

When you see a pic that you would like in your montage just select it using the option in the Buy Now button below each pic. Make sure that you choose your preferred 'Main' picture first then simply use the 'add to Montage' button to build the Montage.

The most successful and popular designs usually include five or nine pics but I'll try any design you favour. After I make a design you will be emailed a proof for you to OK.

So next time you are thinking about buying a couple of pics remember to consider ordering a Montage. The end result could be much more memorable!

If you need a little inspiration follow this link to see some of my previous Montage designs:
CLICK TO VIEW SOME PREVIOUS MONTAGE DESIGNS

As we keep our fingers crossed that in (maybe) two weeks time life can return to a ‘New Normal’ in Guernsey I can reveal what some of you have been doing during Lockdown v2 together with a special offer on my pictures.

Firstly I’d like to thank those of you who have been visiting my website as it has logged millions of new picture views since January! The running total now exceeds 31 MILLION!

The way I analyze this is to reckon that surfing the web has helped fill a few of your empty hours... it has certainly worked for me! We all know that the novelty of being free of the 9 to 5 job soon wears off!

I also think that some of the visitors have wanted to reminisce about the good times... when life went along unrestricted. A stroll through my picture galleries reveals so many of your enjoyable moments playing Sports and attending Gigs and social events that maybe the pics have helped ease some of your Lockdown frustrations?

So as a thank you for the massive interest in my work I’ve decided to (prematurely) celebrate the better times ahead by offering new discounts on the sales of multiple items from my galleries... Anything from 10% to 25% OFF!

The offer is for Framed Prints, Bevel Mounted Prints, Standard Prints and Digital Files. If you place any order online the discount is automatically deducted as you complete the sale in the Shopping Cart.

So THANKS AGAIN for the continued interest in my work. I'll see you again as soon as we are released!

It was great for riders & photographers to be out having fun on a dry day... and about time too!

The Guernsey Velo Club had a good entry for their MTB XC event at Le Guet. A long course had been marked out and this made full use of the slippery slopes and challenged the endurance of all competitors.

This is a link to the new gallery which showcases some of my pics of the racing.
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF THE GVC MTB XC RACING

Whilst I'm on here I'd like to thank the many regular visitors to this website as you have enabled me to crack 30,000,000 (THIRTY MILLION!) views. This milestone clocked up just before Christmas.

Since then another HALF A MILLION views have been registered which is pretty special.

Once again thanks a lot.

It was a meeting between the old guard and the young guns that bought out the fans on a dry afternoon between Christmas and the New Year at Footes Lane 2020.

We were all grateful that the heavy showers of the past few days stayed away to allow this special confrontation to take place between the Guernsey FC Originals squad versus the Guernsey FC Newbies 'Young Guns'.

The final result was balanced on a 2-2 draw however I think the youngsters went home having had a lesson in keeping hold of the desire to win... right until the final whistle.

They may have been expecting the oldies to loose some pace at the end of the game but in my judgment it was the Originals who looked most likely to snatch the win.

Bad luck guys.... from another oldie!

I've added a Gallery featuring some of the action:
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF THE GFC ORIGINALS v GFC NEWBIES

Last year, after celebrating 50 years since the very start of Autocross Banger racing in Guernsey with a special race meeting in St Sampsons harbour, the Guernsey Autocross Club reached another 50th milestone on the first of November 2020 when it organized a race meeting at Chouet Beach.

These sands have now been the home of Autocross ever since the Club moved here 50 YEARS ago.

I think full credit and respect should be given to this small Club and its dedicated team of organizers and racers... some of whom have been on this journey for most of its existence.

Inevitably over such a long period of time there have been challenges to overcome. However the passion for this cheap form of Motorsport, which I have to say often produces the best entertainment and spectacle, has meant we can count the Guernsey Autocross Club as one of Guernsey's most enduring.

Sadly we expect that it is unlikely that the Club will clock another 50 years as the fast changes being made to modern cars make them unsuitable and ironically far less reliable when faced with the very wet and sandy beach track.

But let's all keep enjoying this Sport whilst we can. Well done Guernsey Autocross Club and thanks for the enjoyment you bring.

I've added a new Gallery featuring the 50th anniversary racing:
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF THE 50th YEAR OF AUTOCROSS AT CHOUET

It was great to be back photographing the racing up at the Motocross track at the Guernsey Kart & Motor Club 2-Day event.

The pleasant weather helped keep everyone smiling and the fact that we could do this without any Covid-19 restrictions was fantastic. The icing on the cake was that there was some great racing.

I spent two days around the track taking pics and I've added two extensive Galleries. I hope you like them.

To put these pics online I committed to two full days taking the pics plus a full day of editing. I put a lot of time into this.

Photography is how I make my living and it would be great if you can remember this. Maybe you can buy a pic or two rather than just copying them off the screen! You will help me with my beer money.

If you buy a Digital pic the file I supply is higher resolution than you see in the galleries and they don't have the horrible watermark. You also get to feel good for doing the right thing. Thanks

There are also many options to buy a print or canvas. Whilst some may think that a print is out of fashion I really believe you can't beat a nice big print for impact... but maybe I'm biased. :-)

Follow this link to view all the 2-Day Moto-X pics:
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF THE 2020 2-DAY MOTO-X MEETINGS

It's very hard to find any words to say after hearing the tragic news that Zef Eisenberg has lost his life in a high speed crash whilst chasing another speed record to add to his long list.

Speaking from Guernsey, the Island that he made his home, and as someone who has worked for him photographing some of his portfolio of properties, racing action and several Motor Sport promotion shots I know what an impact he had on the things that he had a passion for.

Zef never did things by half. He also never did anything other than at 'full speed'! He was a genuine 'Speed Freak'.

He will be remembered for his remarkable life where he was always looking forward. He had the ability to make an impact on anything he involved himself in.... from starting Maximuscle to breaking speed records to supporting the Guernsey Motor Sport scene and his charity work on the Saumarez Park children's playground. These things are his legacy.

Few of us will ever lead such a full life as Zef and the only consolation is that he didn't waste a minute of his 47 years.

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to his family and friends.

I've added a couple of my pics of Zef to a gallery including this Montage that Zef commissioned.

They reflect my memories of him.
CLICK TO VIEW A COUPLE OF PICS OF ZEF EISENBERG

The Eighties Experience at Beau Sejour didn't hold back from giving the audience what they were hoping for... a fantastic evening of entertainment.

Everything from the layout of the stage, the excellent sound and lighting to a brilliant video running throughout the Fade2Grey set enhanced the experience for the punters.

It was clear in the video that the guys had used the Covid19 lock-down to raid the charity shop clothing rails for many changes of outfits.... or maybe this was just an insight into what they already had in their wardrobes?? Nick looked particularly good in that red dress!

Masters of the 80's Electro music scene Fade2Grey went the extra mile for this performance as they played their set in front of that impressive video backdrop which elevated the performance to be worthy of a bigger 'stadium'.... Footes Lane here we come next time!!!?

Take a look a my Galleries to see what I mean:
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF THE 2020 EIGHTIES EXPERIENCE

Following on from the 'Guernsey Together' Retro Festival at the Peninsular Hotel the 'Retro Tour' headed into St Peter Port and took over the old Flower Market for three more days of fun.

This venue has lots of character and offered a perfect backdrop to the Retro showcase.

The guys behind the Retro format have developed a massive following and seem to have identified a sector within the Guernsey music scene that wasn't being offered.

I find it fascinating and enjoyable to see such a wide mix of people renewing their love of live music and letting their hair (maybe a wig!) down.

Clearly there is room for a bit of nostalgia in our modern world and Guernsey folk prove once again that we know how to party.

These galleries show just a little of the fun and action at the 2020 Flower Market Retro Festival....
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF THE 2020 FLOWER MARKET RETRO FESTIVAL

I photographed another great new live music event organized by the Guernsey School of Popular Music yesterday evening.

This was the first Corporate Battle of the Bands and it was held on the big stage at Beau Sejour... and the acts certainly stepped up to the mark.

Five bands were given three songs to impress the judges panel and they covered a wide variety of musical genres with each producing a memorable performance.

But the evening was more than that. There was a fantastic and supportive atmosphere in the theater as the battle commenced. The audience enthusiastically got behind every band making the evening full of high energy!

Well done to all the bands from Butterfield, MSG, Ravenscroft, Garenne and Carey Olsen.

In the tradition of these things there could only be one winner and this year it was the Garenne band who picked up the trophy.

I've added these galleries featuring the evenings highlights....
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF THE 2020 CORPORATE BATTLE OF THE BANDS

Once again the Motorsport Seafront Sunday attracted huge crowds to enjoy the static displays, Supercar rides and the Motorsport Club's Twisty Sprint.

This years event was treated to perfect weather and that was all that was needed to bring islanders out in record numbers.

This Gallery displays some of the atmosphere and action...
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF THE 2020 SEAFRONT SUNDAY

The three day Guernsey Together Retro Festival was held at the Peninsular Hotel... and Guernsey came out to party!

On Friday night there was a mix of ska and mod covers from the Rough Tones and High Voltage. The headliners on the night were Matt Bonneville & the Cage Shakers.

I was able to capture some of the atmosphere on the busy Friday night. Take a look a the Gallery here:
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF THE GUERNSEY TOGETHER RETRO FESTIVAL

Guernsey Rugby took advantage of the Covid 19 free situation enjoyed by Guernsey and the Isle of Man to organize a game at Footes Lane. Using the safe 'air bridge' Douglas RFC visited us and after an initial delay due to the weather conditions the game was played in warm sun.

It turned out that the gap in experience and the respective position in the UK leagues that the teams play meant that Guernsey Raiders cruised to a very easy 84-17 win.

But it would be wrong to judge the afternoon only on the score. The game was a celebration of the efforts and conviction shown by both Island's residents to beat the bug.

This gallery displays some of my pics....
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF GUERNSEY RAIDERS v DOUGLAS RFC

Guernsey folk enjoyed a relaxed Sunday in St Peter Port at the latest Arts Seafront Sunday.... and there was beer on tap too!

With Guernsey being Covid 19 free the Island is able to organize all the social events that were planned... this is possibly unique throughout the world!

Islanders were keen to take advantage of this privilege and they packed the St Peter Port seafront. They were entertained by a host of Arts & Craft stands, live music and other performances. They were never far from being able to buy a cider, gin or beer and there was a wide selection of food on offer.

The Seafront Sundays can now be regarded as a Guernsey fixture. Next up will be the RSPCA and Motorsport Seafront Sundays which also draw huge crowds.

This Gallery displays a few of the Arts Sunday live performances and some of the atmosphere...
CLICK TO VIEW THE 2020 ARTS SEAFRONT SUNDAY

Guernsey Rugby enjoyed organizing a Full Contact Rugby 7's Festival at Footes Lane today.

Our Island is possibly the only place world-wide able to allow this contact sport as Guernsey has eliminated the Covid 19 virus.

The action was nearly non-stop and a decent crowd followed the play from the cool stand as the sun baked the pitches.

I photographed the play and my pics can now be viewed here:
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE RUGBY 7's PICS

I have a habit of repeating myself sometimes. You might have noticed!

But (for one more time) I'm going to say how much I enjoy photographing the School of Popular Music events. And there have now been plenty of them!

The atmosphere is always friendly, supportive and surprising. The surprise comes from the stream of new young musical talent developed each year out of the SoPM courses.

This years vintage Summer Party at The Fermain Tavern was packed with students, families and friends... and me.

It was a busy night with ten bands taking to the stage. I tried to photograph all the performances and they are now online here:
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF THE 2020 SoPM SUMMER PARTY

I've just completed the upload of my latest picture Gallery.

The 2020 Hillclimb Gallery is the smallest that I've produced during the eleven years that I've been covering these events professionally.

None of us need reminding why that is the case as the Covid 19 lockdown in 2020 has lodged strong, personal memories in all our minds.

The Motorsport UK 2020 Hillclimb season started in Guernsey on 01-08-2020 when the Guernsey Kart & Motor Club organized the first Hillclimb in 2020 that was run without any Covid 19 restrictions in place.

We all have to say well done to the officials and helpers who organizing the meeting.

Guernsey leads where others can only hope (and wait) to follow!

The hillclimb ran very smoothly allowing every competitor to have a practice run and seven timed runs!!

What did that mean for this photographer... well LOADS of pics!!

As this was a special Hilclimb I've uploaded more pics than usual. I hope you enjoy them.

If you like my work please support me by buying a pic or two. Like so many of us my income has been hit by the lockdown and I promise to invest it well in a couple of beers!

Follow this link to view the extensive Gallery:
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF THE FIRST FULL HILLCLIMB IN 2020

We were all spoilt by the glorious summers evening up at the Motocross track for Day 4 of the GVC Adventure Cycle 2020 Tour of Guernsey.

I'd driven down the west coast to get to the event and Islanders were out in force enjoying the best that Guernsey has to offer. The popular Cobo Bay couldn't have fitted another car in its parking spots and the roadside verges were lined with the overflow.

When I arrived at the clifftop MX track I was relieved to find that there was a steady breeze to keep the temperature down. Latter this was to become a nuisance as the riders agitated the dry track covering us with a fine dust!

But it was a very enjoyable evening capturing the action and all that was needed when I returned home was a shower, a quick dust and polish of my kit and a beer.... not necessarily in that order!

With the lovely low evening light and such a big entry I took a few more pics than usual. I hope you like them. View them here:
CLICK TO VIEW THE MTB's AT THE MX TRACK

Following the Friday night gig at St James many of the same punters were out for a second time on Saturday.

They were joined by many followers of the headlining band Buffalo Huddleston. Indeed the venue was sold out with a capacity crowd.

Once again, like the night before the spirits were high and the intention was clearly to party. Luckily Buffalo Huddleston led from the front with a set that got everyone into the zone.

I've photographed this band many times over the years... the fact that their galleries on this website showcase over 500 pics proves the point!!

The gigs that I've seen them play include small pubs and big festivals but I reckon Saturday's effort was up there with the best of them judging from the reaction of the crowd.

You can view my pics of Buffalo Huddleston - their history through the ages - by following this link:
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF BUFFALO HUDDLESTON