Families gathered to watch the spectacular opening ceremony

Athletes from 23 competing islands paraded through St Peter Port as part of the hour-long event.

It heralded the start of six days of competition across 15 disciplines.

In a break with tradition, Guernsey staged the opening ceremony in the Marina at the heart of the island's capital.

Thousands of athletes, including those from the Channel Islands of Guernsey, Jersey, Alderney and Sark, followed flag bearers along the narrow waterfront of the town into the harbour.

Sprayed water

Once there, a flotilla of boats carrying water bearers from each of the competing islands, placed water from their home nation into a giant fountain, which sprayed about 40 feet into the air.

The water ceremony, the Games' equivalent of the Olympic flame, was followed by the official opening by the Bailiff of Guernsey, Sir De Vic Carey.

In the presence of the Lieutenant Governor and Games officials from around the world, the International Island Games flag was raised and the Guernsey anthem, Sarnia Cherie, was performed.

The ceremony concluded with an inflatable donkey - the Games' Mascot - flying into the harbour surrounded by playing fountains.