"Cautious optimism" that Battle will run this year

Tuesday 26 January 2021

Battle organisers remain “cautiously optimistic” that the parade will be on this summer – but it likely to be very different to normal.

With float-builders usually picking up their tools at this time of year to begin work on their entries, the message from Battle headquarters is that the show will go on.

Parade Director Jackie Donald said: “We are going to try our best to put something on and we remain cautiously optimistic. If tourist numbers are lower than normal, it could be more of a Jersey-focused community event this year, which would be exciting in itself.

“Of course, the parade will be subject to approval from the Government and the Bailiff, and we remain in close dialogue with them. 

“Some float-teams have already started building, obviously working in small teams and sticking to the guidelines. Some entries will be picking up from last year, while others may plan for a smaller event this year.”

Pictured: Floats featuring in the Battle of Flowers 2018.

Mrs Donald added that did not look as though this year’s flower order, which will be submitted in March, would be affected by Brexit.

“Our supplier is optimistic and, if we have to delay the order, they can push back their own order to their suppliers,” she said. 

Last year’s Battle was called off in May, the first time it had been cancelled since the Occupation.

Two major events have already been called off in 2021 - the Jersey Boat Show and the Jersey Festival of Words.

Festival Chair Jennifer Bridge described the decision to postpone the week of  literary events for the second time in a row as "heartbreaking."

Pictured: A Pizza and Poetry event at the 2018 Festival of Words.

She continued: "...Circumstances leave us no option given the financial and organisational risks posed by current uncertainties. We know this will be tremendously disappointing for all our festival friends and followers and can only express our desire to get the Festival of Words back up and running in 2022."

Ports of Jersey and sponsor Barclays said of the Boat Show: "As organisers of the event, the continuing safety and well-being of our local community and all those taking part remains our priority.  With no clear indication at this time when restrictions may be eased, we have reluctantly taken the decision to postpone the Boat Show this year.  We continue to remain in close contact with our sponsors, key stakeholders and marine traders and whilst disappointed, they understand and support the decision in cancelling this year’s show."

However, they suggested a different celebration could still go ahead.

"Ports of Jersey remains committed to supporting our valuable marine leisure industry, especially in these challenging times. With this in mind, we are hopeful that if the situation does change, we may be able to stage some form of maritime celebration in the summer to showcase our important marine culture.”