THE Battle of Flowers is to return this summer but will not feature its traditional ‘ambassador’ – previously known as Miss Battle – as the ‘concept has run its course’, according to the event’s director.
Jackie Donald also said there would be some ‘special surprises’ to celebrate the festival’s 120th anniversary and that organisers were looking forward to getting the event ‘back on track’ after it was twice cancelled during the pandemic.
She explained that while there would not be a formal ambassador competition, individual parishes would still be able to nominate ambassadors for their floats.
Mrs Donald confirmed that the Funtazia Travelling Theme Park would be returning to the People’s Park from 29 July until 14 August, after operators were unable to make it to Jersey during the pandemic.
The festival had planned a ‘Battle of Flowers Festival of Lights’ last year, featuring two moonlight parades, which organisers had hoped would serve as an alternative to the traditional summertime parades. However, this was also cancelled because of pandemic restrictions that were in place at the time.
Mrs Donald said: ‘We cannot wait to get the event back on track and put the Battle of Flowers back on the map while celebrating our 120th anniversary.
‘We will have our usual day parade on Thursday 11 August, followed by the Moonlight Parade on Friday 12 August – which will end with a fireworks display. We also have a few special surprises in the pipeline, but we will not be revealing those and want to keep them a secret for spectators.
‘We are expecting to have 24 floats in this year’s display. Unfortunately, not every parish has entered one this year.
‘A lot of them just do not have the manpower anymore as volunteers have moved on to other things. However, you can still expect 24 great floats and lots of animation.
‘Some are in the final stages of their preparation, while others still have a little way to go.’
Mrs Donald explained that visitors were ‘raring’ to return to the Island for the festival, but that some were struggling to find accommodation.
‘I am not sure if it is a lack of hotel space, or no available rooms, but some have said they cannot find accommodation,’ she said.
James Cole, of the Funtazia Travelling Theme Park, said his team ‘cannot wait’ to return to Jersey.
He added: ‘It was with a heavy heart that we had to cancel our return last year.
‘But it is now all systems go and we are going to have some new rides on offer, as well as all the usual funfair attractions such as game stalls, candy floss and bumper cars.’
