Dates for a scaled-down Battle of Flowers parade have been announced by the event’s new strategy group – which said its focus this year was about keeping the 123-year-old parade “alive”.
Jersey Battle of Flowers (Parades) Ltd said the 2025 event would take place on 8 and 9 August with two free parades going through St Helier town centre.
Although this year’s event will feature smaller floats than usual, the strategy group said plans are still underway for the parade to return to its “iconic home” of Victoria Avenue in 2026.
Organisers thanked the Government of Jersey and the Parish of St Helier for the opportunity to hold the one-off free parades in the alternative format.
Retailers in town will also be take part in the extraordinary celebrations by decorating shop windows in collaboration with parade exhibitors.
The 2024 Battle of Flowers welcomed over 22,000 people over three days, and appeared to be the most successful year for the long-lasting annual parade.
But it later emerged that former event organisers spent over £745,000 last year – with nearly £54,000 on security, £50,000 on marketing and £35,000 on international musical acts including £30,000 on Eurovision runner-up Sam Ryder.
And figures obtained through a Freedom of Information request showed the former association made a loss of £80,773 in 2023 despite a £150,000 Government grant.
This grant almost doubled to £270,000 for the 2024 event.
The financial troubles culminated in the scrapping of the full parade and the creation of a new “strategy group” to replace the association’s board, which was elected at an extraordinary meeting of exhibitors and members earlier this year.
In a statement announcing the 2025 plans, the strategy group – which is led by Martyn Maguire – said discussions were already underway for the return of the traditional celebrations in 2026.
“We are a new team, brimming with enthusiasm for the future of the Battle of Flowers,”
a spokesperson said.
“This August is about celebrating our incredible community and the enduring spirit of this unique festival and keeping it alive.”
Economic Development Minister Kirsten Morel previously said that around £220,000 would still be available if organisers wished to proceed with an alternative display in 2025.
