Outgoing Battle of Flowers board members have broken their silence over their handling of the festival’s finances – blaming soaring costs imposed by Condor Ferries, last-minute staging changes, and the number of security personnel required for the event’s financial struggles.
After months of speculation over Battle finances and allegations of huge debts to suppliers, it emerged this week that the revamped 2024 parade racked up a £745,000 bill last year.
With more than £100,000 spent on security and marketing and £30,000 on bringing over Eurovision singer Sam Ryder, the event still incurred a loss despite receiving its biggest injection of taxpayer cash over the past five years.
A strategy group set up to save Battle firmly pointed the finger of blame at “the current board of directors and staff” last week, saying their “actions” had led to “insurmountable” financial and corporate governance challenges which meant the Battle wouldn’t be able to go ahead in 2025 in its usual form.
The board spoke out in defence for the first time this afternoon – just as it was confirmed that the rescue group would be instead putting on a scaled back event with the help of a £220,000 government grant this summer.
They insisted that “every penny” was accounted for, despite some exhibitors and creditors still being owed what have been described as “substantial” sums – and noted that some board members had even used their own money to ensure the event could still go ahead.
Board working on “outstanding accounts”
The outgoing board led by former Deputy Russell Labey confirmed it had informed members months ago of its intention to resign but had remained in post to “secure the settlement of all outstanding accounts”.
However, concerns remain over how much is still owed to suppliers and exhibitors.
Economic Development Minister Kirsten Morel told the Strategy Group in a letter obtained by Express that, while the his Department stood ready to help fund Battle, any grants cannot be used to settle outstanding liabilities.
He said, however, that they would help the Battle team to find a solution to their outstanding bills.
“No other options”
According to the statement, key infrastructure and service costs had “risen dramatically” in recent years, with the 2024 event struggling with a 58% increase in transport and freight charges from Condor Ferries, which the board said had to be accepted as there were “no other options”.
They also had to deal with a 158% increase in staging and equipment hire after the original supplier cancelled at the last minute.
Security had b(r)ought in from UK
The cost of security staffing due to Bailiff-mandated safety rules requiring one licensed security guard per 100 attendees were also to blame, according to the board.
This was later negotiated to one per 150, but, with insufficient staff available on-island, additional security had to be brought in from the UK, they said.
The board insisted it had accounted for “every penny” and said financial statements had been compiled pro bono by a qualified accountant.
It also stated that board members had “not financially benefited from the event” and that “one or more board members have personally lent their own funds” to ensure it went ahead.
Financial lows… but attendee highs?
Despite the financial chaos, the board pointed to record attendance figures, claiming that last year’s Battle welcomed 22,000 attendees, with off-island ticket sales soaring 211% compared to 2023.
New initiatives like the finale concerts were also cited as key to attracting “broader audiences and diversifying revenue streams”, while ticket pre-sales increased by 148% year-on-year, they claimed.
Surveyed attendees scored the Battle highly, giving it:
- 4.7/5 for float quality
- 4.4/5 for atmosphere
- 4.3/5 for musical performances
“The financial challenges have been widely discussed, but it is equally important to highlight the overwhelmingly positive audience response to the 2024 parade,” the board said.
Will gov always have to fund Battle?
£270,000 of taxpayer cash went towards the 2024 event – significantly more than in 2023.
This year, the government has committed £220,000 to support the downsized event.
The board acknowledged that Battle will always rely on government funding, citing a 2015 government report, which concluded: “Without the funding it receives from government, there is simply no way the event will be able to survive long-term.”
A different kind of Battle…
The board has now handed over the reins to a new Battle Strategy Group, which is planning a smaller-scale Battle of Flowers for this summer.
At an extraordinary meeting at Grouville Parish Hall on Tuesday night, Battle Association members voted to create a new company to organise the event, with a junior float procession in town on the Friday, followed by a static display and night parade near People’s Park on Saturday.
The smaller scale 2025 event will not follow traditional Battle rules, and its biggest prize – the Prix d’Honneur – will not be awarded this year.
This marks only the fourth time in Battle’s 123-year history that the event has been cancelled, following previous suspensions during the World Wars and the covid-19 pandemic.
The outgoing board said it wished the new organisers well, stating: “The Battle of Flowers remains a cherished part of Jersey’s cultural calendar, reinforcing its importance and popularity within the community.”
Want to share your view? Email editor@bailiwickexpress.com.
