THE Battle of Flowers ended on ‘a tremendous high’ after ‘some of the worst weather we have had for a parade in recent years’, the event’s chairman said.
Russell Labey added that Friday’s day parade had attracted just under 7,000 people while around 10,000 turned out for the Moonlight Parade on Saturday.
Some of the highlights included Notting Hill Carnival band Flagz, a drone show, and exhibitors who ‘pulled out all the stops’, Mr Labey said.
But he admitted that more commercial partners and sponsors could be needed to maintain the event in future.
Mr Labey said: ‘I think the weekend ended on a tremendous high with the Moonlight Parade.
‘We had fair weather, it was a beautiful night and the parade looked stunning.
‘Flagz were on especially good form. It’s great because it makes the experience for the audience an active one rather than a passive one. They were getting them up and they looked spectacular.’
He added that after seeing their success, organisers had asked Flagz to extend their slot on the Little Gig stage and also said: ‘I have asked them to consider coming back next year. They really fell in love with Jersey. They couldn’t believe the exhibits.’
Mr Labey said the exhibitors ‘really did pull out all the stops’ adding that there were more exhibits than in recent years.
And the Battle chair added that he would like to build on the spectacular drone show and hoped next year it might be increased to 200 drones.
The drone show was sponsored by Butterfield and Mr Labey said that working with sponsors might be the way forward for the event.
‘We need to find more commercial partners who are interested in helping fund the community aspect to this to help keep the parade going.
‘I would really like to hear from firms,’ he said.
The winners
Prix d’Honneur: Parish of St Clement – Puttin’ on the Ritz
Prix d’Excellence: Parish of Grouville – Sky Pirates
Grand Prix Des Fleurs: The Optimists Club – Star Fighter 2… The Final Countdown
Prix de Merit: Friends of Galaad – Daolong
Prix Décor: Ollivro Family & Friends – Gator Grill
Prix d’Honneur de Papier: Parish of St Helier – The Roaring 20’s
Prix d’Excellence de Papier: Parish of St Saviour – Oh the Places You’ll Go…
Grand Prix Des Paroisse: Parish of St Brelade – Japanese Garden
Clubs & Associations: The Optimists Club – Star Fighter 2… The Final Countdown
Junior Prix d’Honneur: Adrian & Friends Juniors – Rio
Junior Prix d’Excellence: Grouville Juniors – GASA (Grouville Aeronautical Space Academy)
Prix d’Honneur de Papier Juniors: St Lawrence Juniors – Heroes and Villains
Junior Clubs & Associations: The Optimists Juniors – Man on the Moon
Best Illuminated: Parish of St Brelade – Japanese Garden
Best Illuminated Juniors: St Clement Juniors – Mario & Friends
