Battle of Flowers: 'We simply don't know where the money's been spent'

Thursday, 30 January 2025 09:00

Grouville's 2024 Battle of Flowers float

Jersey's Battle of Flowers Association members are concerned about the future of the event after learning this week that last year's parades lost money.

A recent meeting revealed the board is struggling to balance the books, with some Battle teams left without payments.

Exhibitors were reportedly told this week that the 2024 event made a loss of £150,000, despite an increase government grant of £270,000.

Martyn Maguire from the Grouville Battle of Flowers committee says there is a lot of uncertainty around the situation as members have not seen any completed accounts since 2022.

"During the meeting, it was clear there still weren't any accounts to be seen."

Members heard that there are 'substantial sums still owing' to exhibitors and creditors.

Grouville's Battle of Flowers float for 2024

Despite the extra government funding for 2024's summer extravaganza - which saw guest stars Sam Ryder and Wet Wet Wet's Marti Pellow perform - Battle of Flowers struggled financially.

Mr Maguire says it is worrying that people are still owed money for last year's floats.

"We simply don't know where the money has been spent, and we don't know if we've made money on ticket sales - we simply have no idea.

"Until we see some accounts and paperwork, we don't know where the money has gone.

"For some people, the money is massively important so they can put on another float for the next year."

Sam Ryder at Battle of Flowers 2024

Team will have to wait until 24 February for more answers, at an AGM that was meant to be held in September.

The AGM allows the board to organise the arena and other aspects in time for Battle of Flowers in August.

Exhibitors tend to start preparing the day after the Battle for the following year, meaning they are already five months into 2025's preparation time.

Mr Maguire says they are concerned but remain hopeful that they will get through this and put on a parade this year.

"It is disheartening. We're as disappointed - as many members of the public are -but we are going to do our very best to ensure that we as exhibitors and the wider community do get a Battle on this year, and we just hope that we get the support that we desperately need.

"The government have been absolutely fantastic through this, and we hope they continue to support us the way that they have."

The Optimists Club - Moana Winners of the 2024 Battle of Flowers. The Optimists Club.