Following a traditional late finish for thousands of flower-sticking volunteers, the huge floats were forced to negotiate some roads which were muddy and covered in debris from the early-hours storm.
The Jersey Met issued a red thunderstorm warning and predicted that the Island would suffer ‘widespread thunderstorms’ between 5 am and 2 pm.
The Battle of Flowers parade is due to start at 2.30 pm.
Check the latest weather forecast here.
All the sheds were at some point joined by Miss Battle, Chantelle Mundy, and Mr Battle, former Big Brother winner Craig Phillips, who had flown in only hours earlier. Speaking at Meadowbank, the base for several Battle teams, including last year’s Prix d’Honneur winners the Optimists, Mr Phillips said: ‘I’ve been totally blown away with what I have seen. I completely underestimated the work that goes into this carnival – the attention to detail is absolutely incredible. I am honoured to be part of this.’
Also visiting the St Lawrence operations hub was the Lieutenant-Governor, General Sir John McColl, who was equally impressed by what he saw. ‘The size and scale of the floats are incredible,’ he said. ‘I am always amazed by how much hard work is put in by the community each year, and it really shows in the final product.’
One team that looked likely to be working into the early hours was Friends of Galaad, entering the parade for their 51st consecutive year. Team leader Angie Bisson said: ‘We are getting there, but it’s heading in the direction of a late finish. We would love to be done at midnight, but I know from experience that it’s not going to be the case – it just wouldn’t be Battle without staying up all night!’
