ISLANDERS are being encouraged to get involved with creating floats for the upcoming Battle of Flowers, which will see all 12 parishes take part for the first time in a generation.
This year’s parade will be marked by the return of St Ouen and St Mary after a long hiatus, and the formation of a “Northern Alliance” featuring St Martin, St John, and Trinity.
Under the guidance of designer Marcus Davies, the St Ouen and St Mary team is creating an Owl-and-the-Pussy-Cat-themed float based on Edward Lear’s famous poem.
The team is calling for volunteers to help bring this vision to life at Labey Farms in St Ouen, with organisers saying that everyone is welcome.
Battle chair Russell Labey said: “Starting from scratch with a fully floral 50-foot float is a big ask.
“The approach we’ve adopted is, ‘build it and they will come’; well, we’re building it, so please come along.”
Meanwhile, the Northern Alliance have pooled resources and volunteers after three individual parishes struggled to put together floats following dwindling numbers.
Collette Bisson, chair of the northern association, explained: “The alliance has proved to be a very successful move. It has achieved its aim of bringing together a larger pool of volunteers with a wider range of skills.”
The northern parishes will present two floats: a junior float titled “Hatful of Dreams” inspired by the 2023 film Wonka, and a senior float called “Ile de Jersey” that reflects the Island’s tourism heyday.
Ms Bisson encouraged Islanders to get involved with helping to create the floats at Bouley Bay quarry, near the top of Bouley Bay hill.
Event organisers are also calling for volunteer marshals for the Grand Parade on 9 August, the Moonlight Parade on 10 August, and a concert on 11 August.
Volunteers will receive free entry to events they assist with and complimentary meals, organisers have said.
This year’s Battle of Flowers will feature performances by Eurovision star Sam Ryder on Friday 9 August, UK Queen (a Queen tribute act with Jersey-born lead guitarist Johnny Senett) the following day, and former Wet Wet Wet frontman Marti Pellow the day after that. An Islandwide roadshow has also been launched to connect with supporters and aid ticket sales.
Those interested in volunteering can email arena@battleofflowers.com or visit the Battle of Flowers website for more information.
