BATTLE volunteers have been praised by the Lieutenant-Governor during his visit to sheds across the Island as preparations ramp up for this weekend’s event.
Vice-Admiral Jerry Kyd first went to St Brelade to see their Global Peril float, which features polar bears and focuses on environmental issues.
At St Peter’s shed, Vice-Admiral Kyd saw the Euro Stars float, which was inspired by the Eurovision Song Contest and features a portrait of Sam Ryder, who is performing tomorrow night, made from grass harestails.
This year, St Ouen and St Mary are returning to the parade following a long absence. Vice-Admiral Kyd helped the parishes with their Bon Voyage float, inspired by Edward Lear’s poem The Owl and The Pussycat, by preparing chrysanthemum flowers.
Russell Labey, chairman of the Battle of Flowers Association, said: “It’s such a huge morale boost for our volunteer army of float creators, currently working very long hours, to have His Excellency show such a genuine interest in every detail of their craft.
“We’re very grateful for the time he takes to engage so warmly with everyone in the build-sheds, sending them home with a special memory.”
Battle director Adam Flynn this week described sales as “incredibly encouraging”.
“We’re well ahead of where we were last year, and we’re expecting a final surge in the next two days,” he added.
This year’s event will see all 12 parishes participate for the first time in a generation, with an Island-wide roadshow launched to connect with supporters and boost ticket sales.
