Battle of Flowers cancelled: What do people think?
Chris Bidan's family has been making floats for battle for generations said the cancellation was "devastating". "I'm a little bit disappointed this has happened and if things had been done slightly differently things might have been okay," he said. "Until we know the full extent or where the money has gone we won't know about battle moving forwards."We want to keep it going."
Martyn Maguire leads the Battle Strategy Group breakaway committee and said the financial situation of the event was "unclear"."We are in a difficult situation where we don't know what our bottom line is financially," he said."The board aren't talking to us, we are waiting for an AGM (annual general meeting) to happen. "We cannot let this happen again." He added: "As a group of exhibitors we promise we will put something on for islanders. "We are desperate to keep it going, we want to keep it going, in fact we will keep it going."Russell Labey, the chairman of the Battle of Flowers, said the decision was "disappointing" but it was "sensible to take the time to secure a lasting future for the event".
Connétable of Grouville, Mark Labey, said the cancellation of the event was a "tragedy"."It's part of our heritage, it's part of our history, it's part of a lot of people's lives," he said. "There are many individuals around the island that spend over 1000 hours a year making these floats."I'm sure there will be a lot of people who have been heavily involved with battle for many years that will be very disappointed."
Jersey resident Imogen Brooks was asked for her thoughts and said: "I think it's definitely a shame, a lot of families look forward to it, it's kind of a part of the Jersey calendar."It's something that gets passed down from generation to generation."People grow up doing it and then their kids end up doing it. I think it will be a loss for Jersey for sure."
'Deep significance'
Cheif Minister Lyndon Farnham said he was disappointed but "not altogether surprised"."I'm confident battle will return in 2026 and they can be assured of the government's continued support moving forward," he said.Minister for Sustainable Economic Development, Deputy Kirsten Morel, said the "right way forward" needed to be found."We understand the battle's deep significance for many islanders, and we are working with the battle to secure its long-term future," he said.
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Temporary route announced for Jersey's Battle of Flowers
Organisers have announced a new temporary route for Jersey's Battle of new route through St Helier town centre was subject to permission from the Bailiff's Public Entertainment Panel, they carnival, due to be held on 8 and 9 August, would start and finish on the Esplanade, said organisers.A spokesperson for the Battle of Flowers said said: "We are a new team, brimming with enthusiasm for the future of the Battle of Flowers." They added: "We are a new team, brimming with enthusiasm for the future of the Battle of Flowers."This August is about celebrating our incredible community and the enduring spirit of this unique festival and keeping it alive. "We're focused firmly on the road ahead - revitalising the event, ensuring its sustainability, and creating even more magical moments for Jersey and our visitors. "Subject to final Bailiffs permission we invite everyone to join us for these two special one off free parades as we embark on this exciting new journey together."
BBC News
16-03-2025
- BBC News
Battle of Flowers cancelled: What do people think?
Members of the public, people involved and politicians have been reacting to the cancellation of Jersey's 2025 Battle of Flowers. Organisers announced on Friday the event, known as battle, which has been held since 1902, would not go ahead due to financial difficulties including a £150,000 overspend in Battle Strategy Group, a breakaway committee from the organisation, has promised to hold a smaller version of the event for islanders this year. Jersey's chief minister and former battle chair, Lyndon Farnham, said the event "needs a complete recalibration, both logistically and financially, following the lessons learnt from 2024". Chris Bidan's family has been making floats for battle for generations said the cancellation was "devastating". "I'm a little bit disappointed this has happened and if things had been done slightly differently things might have been okay," he said. "Until we know the full extent or where the money has gone we won't know about battle moving forwards."We want to keep it going." Martyn Maguire leads the Battle Strategy Group breakaway committee and said the financial situation of the event was "unclear"."We are in a difficult situation where we don't know what our bottom line is financially," he said."The board aren't talking to us, we are waiting for an AGM (annual general meeting) to happen. "We cannot let this happen again." He added: "As a group of exhibitors we promise we will put something on for islanders. "We are desperate to keep it going, we want to keep it going, in fact we will keep it going."Russell Labey, the chairman of the Battle of Flowers, said the decision was "disappointing" but it was "sensible to take the time to secure a lasting future for the event". Connétable of Grouville, Mark Labey, said the cancellation of the event was a "tragedy"."It's part of our heritage, it's part of our history, it's part of a lot of people's lives," he said. "There are many individuals around the island that spend over 1000 hours a year making these floats."I'm sure there will be a lot of people who have been heavily involved with battle for many years that will be very disappointed." Jersey resident Imogen Brooks was asked for her thoughts and said: "I think it's definitely a shame, a lot of families look forward to it, it's kind of a part of the Jersey calendar."It's something that gets passed down from generation to generation."People grow up doing it and then their kids end up doing it. I think it will be a loss for Jersey for sure." 'Deep significance' Cheif Minister Lyndon Farnham said he was disappointed but "not altogether surprised"."I'm confident battle will return in 2026 and they can be assured of the government's continued support moving forward," he for Sustainable Economic Development, Deputy Kirsten Morel, said the "right way forward" needed to be found."We understand the battle's deep significance for many islanders, and we are working with the battle to secure its long-term future," he said.
BBC News
29-01-2025
- BBC News
Government ready to support Jersey's Battle of Flowers
The Government of Jersey has said it stands ready to support the Battle of Flowers amid concerns over the event's finances.A special meeting of the organising committee on Monday heard it made a £150,000 loss in 2024 despite receiving a government grant worth £270, exhibiter said the figure was "definitely a shock to us" and another said they would be "devastated" if the event did not go ahead this for Sustainable Economic Development Deputy Kirsten Morel said the government was still waiting for a grant application from organisers but he would work with them to secure its long-term future. Martyn Maguire, from the Grouville Battle of Flowers Association, said he was surprised the 2024 event cost so much. "We have no idea why we're so much overspent. It is definitely a shock to us," he said."As exhibitors we are as concerned as the general public."Last year's Battle of Flowers included performances by Eurovision's Sam Ryder a concert with Wet Wet Wet's Marty Pellow. Steve Bouchard, from the Optimist's Club, which often takes top prize, said he was worried the event might not go said: "I'm disappointed, even devastated, to think that we are considering not holding a battle."We only stopped for the Second World War and the unfortunate situation with Covid-19. "If we don't keep it going, there's a strong possibility it won't carry on." 'Sustainable future' Morel said the Battle of Jersey held "significant cultural and community importance" to the island."We will continue to assist efforts to secure its sustainable future," he said."We're awaiting a grant request for 2025 and stand ready to support this. "The volunteers work hard to put the battle on each year and I will be working with their association to secure the long-term future of the event."
