FOR the second year in a row, the Battle’s Christmas Parade has been cancelled.
The Battle of Flowers Association has been the main supporter of the event in recent years, but said it had been a “considerable call” on its “limited resources” and is not able to stage one this year.
The parade was cancelled in 2022 in the wake of the Haut du Mont flats tragedy.
The association hopes this year’s cancellation does not spell the end for the parade, and would like to see it return next year.
Battle of Flowers Association chair Russell Labey said: “We’re disappointed not to be able to bring some free festive cheer to the town centre again this Christmas.”
He added: “The exhibitors, in particular, are crestfallen.”
The Battle of Flowers Association got involved in Christmas festivities after the Optimists Club entered a Christmas-themed float in the 2005 Battle of Flowers and was then invited to take part in St Helier’s Fête dé Noué celebrations.
Mr Labey said: “Our participation began with one float being invited to join the St Helier Fête dé Noué festivities and developed, over the years, into a full parade, which the the Battle of Flowers Association is now relied upon to organise and subsidise – a considerable call on our limited resources.”
He added: “We think the event has value. If others agree, we can partner up and parade again in Christmas 2024.”
He said that there had been an “offer of support” from the Economic Development Department, which would cover exhibitors’ expenses.
“We’re grateful for that,” Mr Labey added.
The 2021 Christmas parade was held despite there not having been a Battle of Flowers in the August, owing to the pandemic. Thousands of people lined the route for what would be the first Battle parade since 2019.
