The Battle of Flowers’ 2024 accounts will be reviewed by the government before “any further funding decisions” are made, according to the Economic Development Minister.
The government’s financial support for the Battle of Flowers has come under scrutiny in recent weeks after it emerged that the event made a loss last year – despite receiving an increased grant of £270,000.
Concerns were raised in the States Assembly this week about the event’s financial management, with exhibitors still awaiting payment and questions being asked about the future of government funding for the long-running annual celebration.
Economic Development Minister Kirsten Morel faced questions from Deputy Steve Ahier on the level of oversight his department has over the Battle of Flowers Association, and the justification for the increased 2024 grant.
Deputy Morel – who has responsibility for arts, heritage and culture – confirmed that, while the event is run by an independent organisation, his department holds regular meetings with its representatives to ensure public funds are used appropriately.
“The Battle of Flowers is an independent organisation which makes an application for funding based on a series of stretching but achievable performance measures,” said Deputy Morel.
“The larger one-off grant in 2024 allowed for a reformatting of the event, including participation from all parishes, a headline act, and additional concerts. As a result, over 22,000 people attended last year, with 6,000 more tickets sold than in previous years.”
When pressed by Deputy Ahier on whether funding for this year’s Battle of Flowers would be contingent on reviewing the 2024 accounts, Deputy Morel said that the government was waiting for financial reports before making further funding decisions.
“We are awaiting the 2024 accounts and would want to review them before making any further funding decisions,” the Minister confirmed.
The question session also turned to the wider question of how government event funding is allocated and whether prioritising the loss-making Battle of Flowers could limit support for other cultural initiatives.
Deputy Inna Gardiner asked whether there was a clear government policy guiding grants for cultural and community events.
Responding, Deputy Morel explained that, while funding decisions are based on business plans, performance measures, and post-event reports, there is no single policy document covering all grants – with decisions instead following the criteria outlined in the Public Finances Manual.
Deputy Louise Doublet specifically raised concerns about whether funding for events such as Pride would be affected by government support for the Battle of Flowers.
In response, Deputy Morel said: “There is not an endless pot of money for funding events. At some point, the pot of money does run out.
“The government has budgeted for certain major events this year, including the Battle of Flowers and Pride, but we cannot fund all potential event grant applications.”
Deputy Philip Ozouf, meanwhile, called for a broader review of the Battle of Flowers’ governance.
“Does the Minister not agree that it is past time for a decisive, forward-looking review of the governance of the Battle of Flowers?” he asked.
Deputy Morel reiterated that while the government would support the association, it was ultimately responsible for its own governance as a third party.
“We will provide advice and assistance, but it is up to the Battle of Flowers Association to decide how to structure itself,” he said.
“We cannot do that for them.”
