2025 Jersey Battle of Flowers cancelled

It looks like there won't be a Battle of Flowers parade this year.

A breakaway group of exhibitors had been trying to go ahead with the annual carnival despite a reported loss of £150,000 last year.

Last month, Martyn Maguire from Grouville Battle of Flowers Association told us they were keen to make a traditional version of the event happen.

"We are proposing to put on a traditional Battle of Flowers this year with the usual day parade, night parade and a finale.

"The public wouldn't really notice a difference, it's just being organised by the existing exhibitors, rather than the board of directors."

It appears their efforts have failed though, announcing that 'financial and governance challenges have proven insurmountable'.

However, today (14 March) he told Channel 103 they are discussing whether to put on a series of smaller events so islanders can get their floral fix.

This includes Halloween, Christmas and a day and night parade in the summer.

Jersey's Battle Bee

Martyn says the exhibitors are devastated by the news they cannot put on a full battle this year.

"We've been meeting tirelessly with government and officials, suppliers and all that kind of thing.

"Usually at this time of year we would be half way through organising it, with 50% of ticket sales already in.

"The government have given us some thoughts on some floral displays in shop windows around the island, so we've got a few things to talk to the exhibitors."

"The community spirit that Battle evokes is wonderful and we want to keep that going - we want to come back with a bang.

"The only three times Battle hasn't been on has been for the two World Wars and Covid, so stopping BAttle because we've made a financial deficit is devastating."

Jersey's Economic Development Minister, Deputy Kirsten Morel, who provided an increased £270,000 to organisers in 2024, says the Battle of Flowers is a cherished part of Jersey’s heritage, and the government want to find the right way forward for the event.

"Ministers and officers have worked closely with organisers to help them find a solution for this year. We understand the Battle’s deep significance for many Islanders, and we are working with the Battle to secure its long-term future."

Battle of Flowers Chairman Russell Labey has issued a brief statement:

"Whilst it’s disappointing that the Battle of Flowers will not go ahead this year, it is sensible to take the time to secure a lasting future for the event. 

"The parade in 2024 with twelve parish participation brought even more communities together in the creative endeavour of float-building and a fuller event with more entertainment proved a big hit with audiences. 

"A safe and successful event of this scale must be matched with the people, professionals and resources required. The task now is to put those in place and come back stronger in 2026."

It's understood there will be a meeting of exhibitors at Grouville Parish Hall on 18 March to consider smaller floral events that night take place this year instead.

Islanders have been reacting to the news by creating posters and taking to social media to share their frustrations.

Some think cost could have been cut by employing local acts and security.

Unnecessary concerts with the added cost and the ridiculous outsourcing of security from the UK, totally over the top, when we have more than enough security staff on the island, to cope with the Battle. 

- Roisin Xena Pitman, Facebook

Go for it guys, it’s do-able.

Last year, too much was paid for UK acts and security, to name to big saves.

Support local.

- Peter Collins

Others are concerned about how Jersey's money is used to save events, financially struggling. 

It's a sign of the times we are all living in.

Everything has gone up in price in the world. Last years Battle was what it was.

UK public came over to see it on their hols, but what they don't see now is that the Parishes are still owed money.

Why should us islanders, paying our taxes, be put in the position of paying for something that we don't go and see.

Others benefit at our expense.

Same goes for the annual Air Show.

If the organisers cannot raise enough before the event, through donations and charities etc, it should not be down to the island tax payers.

- Kevin Brady, Facebook

A loss of 150k? Sounds like the battle of flowers needs an audit. Somethings not right here.

- Not the Jersey Police, Facebook

Such a rich island with many millionaires or billionaires and you simply cannot put on this event.

It’s part of the history of the island.

Take the benefit but never give back.

- Andy Elphick, Facebook

Surely there is someone in accountancy that would inspect the books, with a fine tooth comb, for free.

True transparency is needed for everything on this island. So much wasted money.

What is happening to the Island of Jersey.

Carole-Anne Robins, Facebook