A FREE scaled-down version of the Battle of Flowers is due to take place this summer following the cancellation of the full parade last week due to financial troubles.
More details of plans to save the beleaguered event were revealed at an extraordinary meeting of exhibitors and members on Tuesday evening at Grouville Parish Hall, where a “strategy group” was elected to take forward proposals and a new company was set up to organise a smaller town parade, which will take place on the usual dates.
Economic Development Minister Kirsten Morel said in the States this week that funding of around £220,000 would still be available if organisers wished to proceed with an alternative display.
“I am hoping that a display of sorts may go ahead in the summer during Battle week, and that grant is available for them,” he said, adding that his team had worked closely with the organisers to support them through the “difficult period”.
Plans for this year include a “junior float” procession through the streets on the Friday, followed by a static display near the People’s Park ahead of a night parade on Saturday.
Tuesday’s meeting also heard that this year’s event would not follow the traditional Battle rule book for decorating floats, and while some awards – such as first, second, third and lighting prizes – are being considered, the usual Prix d’Honneur will not be given.
It emerged last week that the full parade would be cancelled due to what the breakaway “strategy group” said were financial challenges stemming from “the actions of the current board of directors and staff”.
Following heavy criticism of its financial management, the board responsible for last year’s Battle issued a statement yesterday defending its handling of the 2024 event and explaining the cost increases it faced.
The board said it had informed association members months ago of its intention to step down, but remained in place to settle outstanding debts.
In a statement, the board said there had been a 58% rise in transport and freight costs from Condor Ferries, a 158% increase in staging and equipment hire after the original supplier withdrew last-minute, and higher security costs due to new safety requirements set by the Bailiff which meant employing and accommodating a team from the UK.
The statement continued: “The board has ensured that every penny is accounted for, with financial statements compiled pro bono by a qualified accountant.”
It added that board members worked on a voluntary basis and “have not financially benefited from the event” with “one or more board members having personally lent their own funds” to support the loss-making event.
The board reported that the 2024 event welcomed 22,000 attendees, with ticket sales outside of Jersey increasing by 211% compared to 2023.
A post-event survey conducted with attendees also showed “strong public support”, according to the board, with ratings 4.7/5 for float quality, 4.6/5 for community impact, 4.4/5 for atmosphere, 4.3/5 for musical performances and 4.1/5 for event organisation.
The statement concluded: “The board fully support the Battle strategy group as they take the reins in planning future Battle events and extend their best wishes to the new team as they work to ensure that Jersey’s most iconic event continues to thrive.”
Following queries from the JEP, the Jersey charity commissioner’s office confirmed it was in communication with the governors of the Battle of Flowers Association regarding the financial management of the charity.
A statement from the office read: “The charity commissioner aims to ensure that all registered charities operate with transparency, probity and accountability, particularly in their financial practices.
“His remit includes the review of the finances of registered charities so that funds are used appropriately and in accordance with stated charitable purposes and public benefit statements.”
The JEP revealed earlier this week that despite its financial troubles, the Battle of Flowers spent at least £745,000 on the 2024 parade, including nearly £54,000 on security, £50,000 on marketing and £35,000 on international musical acts, including £30,000 on Eurovision runner-up Sam Ryder
Meanwhile, figures obtained by the JEP through a Freedom of Information request show that the association spent £482,079 in 2023 and made a loss of £80,773 despite a £150,000 government grant. This grant almost doubled to £270,000 for the 2024 event.
