Around thirty floats will be competing for six major prizes, with the most sought after being the Prix d’Honneur. The Optimists are hoping to take the trophy for a sixth consecutive time. This year’s float – Bossa Nova – has a Mexican theme with revolving sombreros, maracas, guitars, and trumpets. It’s been designed by Steve Bouchard.
Pictured: Miss Battle Evie Bertram (18) and Battle Bee.
This year’s Miss Battle is 18-year-old Beaulieu student Evangeline ‘Evie’ Bertram. For the first time in a number of years, her escort, Mr Battle, is locally born. 24-year-old actor and dancer Jonny Labey is well-known for starring in the BBC soap Eastenders, and recently won ITV’s prime time show Dance, Dance, Dance. His family has had a long involvement with helping Grouville build Battle floats.
Although the Battle itself dates back to 1902 and the coronation of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra, the Moonlight Parade is much more recent. It only started in 1990. Gates for Friday’s extravaganza open at 19:30, the show gets underway at 21:00, and there’s a fireworks finale at 22:30.