What do we know about this year’s Battle of Flowers?

This weekend marks one month to go until the Battle of Flowers, which will this year return to its traditional home on Victoria Avenue. Here’s what you need to know…

What are the timings?

The Grand Parade will take place on Friday 14 August, with entertainment beginning at 2pm before the parade starts at 3pm.

The Moonlight Parade will follow on Saturday 15 August, with pre-parade entertainment from 7.45pm ahead of the illuminated procession at 8.45pm.

The return to Victoria Avenue marks the first time the event has been held on its traditional route since 2024.

How much will it cost?

Entry to both of this year’s parades will be free.

Organisers have confirmed there will be no paid seating in a bid to make the event fully accessible.

Where can I sit?

Spectators are encouraged to line the pavements along Victoria Avenue or bring their own folding chairs and picnic blankets.

The parade will take place on the two lanes of Victoria Avenue closest to the sea), and the public may position themselves anywhere along the route on pavements and lay-bys on the south side near the sea, as well as on the central reservation.

Disabled areas will also be made available, organisers said.

Food stalls and pre-parade entertainment will be available along the seafront before both processions get underway.

How long does it go on for?

The parade is this year taking what organisers describe as a “one-pass” format.

They estimate that the whole float parade will be around two hours from start to finish.

However, spectators are being encouraged to arrive early and enjoy the pre-parade entertainment and food and drink.

Who is taking part?

All the usual float favourites, and there will also be an array of entertainment to keep Islanders buzzing in the run-up to the Parade, ranging from the Jersey Lillies to the Dolphin Marching Band and Morris dancers who have travelled to Jersey 9,000 miles from New Zealand.

Are fireworks returning in the evening?

Oh yes – organisers say that spectators can expect fireworks following the conclusion of the Night Parade, once all floats have completed the route, which they hope will provide a celebratory end to the weekend’s events.

Is Battle now on more stable financial footing?

Last year, the Battle of Flowers was held through the town centre, with two free parades featuring more than 20 floral floats of up to 30ft in length, alongside bands, dance troupes and local entertainers, thanks to the help of significant government grants and sponsor funding.

The move came following financial and logistical challenges, with the narrower town centre route unable to accommodate the event’s signature 45ft floats.

At the time, organisers said discussions were already underway to bring the parade back to Victoria Avenue in 2026, where the wider route would once again allow the larger floats to return.

The government also agreed that taxpayer cash would be used to help write off some of Battle’s significant debts.

This year, the Battle team said they had been “successful in raising grants and commercial sponsorship for the vast majority of the expenses needed for the parades”, but noted at the start of this month that they were “still trying to close the last gap in our funding shortfall which will allow us to employ an even greater variety of entertainment and a super firework finale”.

Martyn Maguire, Chairperson of the Battle of Flowers Association, said: “We are incredibly grateful to the community, volunteers, and sponsors who continue to support the Battle of Flowers. The creativity and dedication behind every float is truly inspiring, and we are proud to see the parade return to its iconic home. This event belongs to the island, and we need everyone’s support to keep the magic of the Battle alive for future generations.”

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