The fireworks display due to conclude Saturday’s Battle of Flowers Moonlight Parade was cancelled tonight.
In a statement issued by the Battle of Flowers Association at 9.15pm, around 24 hours before the first firework was due to be lit, it was confirmed that the decision to cancel had been taken “following extensive discussions with the relevant authorities and stakeholders regarding the necessary permissions and assurances”.
Talks followed what the Association referred to as “continuing concerns around the exceptionally dry conditions currently affecting Jersey”.
The statement added: “The Association has worked tirelessly over recent weeks with our professional fireworks contractor, Starburst, and has undertaken detailed risk assessments and planning to ensure that the proposed display could be delivered safely.
“The fireworks were planned to be launched from a vessel positioned offshore in St Aubin’s Bay, with significant safety distances incorporated into the plans and the vessel’s position capable of being adjusted according to conditions on the day.
“However, despite the considerable work undertaken, we have been unable to reach a position required to secure the necessary licence for the display.”
Jersey officially moved into drought earlier this week after 15 consecutive days with no measurable rainfall, while temperatures have been especially high, with a three-day heatwave bringing a peak of 35.6°C on Wednesday, the Island’s seventh-hottest day on record.
The Association stressed that the decision had not been taken lightly, and that there was great disappointment that the display could not go ahead. However it stressed that the safety of the public, exhibitors, volunteers, contractors and emergency services must come first, and that it believed cancellation was the responsible decision.
Following the decision, extra confetti cannons have been added to the Moonlight Parade, which will start at 8.45pm with floats making their way westbound along Victoria Avenue, starting from West Park. The arena will be open from 6pm, with pre-parade entertainment commencing at 7.45pm and a fine, dry evening forecast after sunset at 8.25pm.
The statement concluded: “We look forward to delivering a fantastic Battle of Flowers Moonlight Parade tomorrow [Saturday] night. The flowers, floats, music, colour and Battle spirit will most certainly go on – with a little extra confetti thrown in for good measure.”
