A REFRESHED Battle of Flowers was met with enthusiasm from Islanders – with organisers now deciding whether to adopt a “hybrid” format next year after the town route drew positive feedback.
Battle chair Martyn Maguire said that those behind the revamped event were “still buzzing” following the weekend spectacle, which marked a departure from its traditional format with two free parades through the town centre.
Speaking to the JEP, Mr Maguire said: “We’re very pleased with how it went.
“The atmosphere was good because it was very intimate – the crowds were almost touching the floats and it made it a very interesting Battle this year.”
Commenting on whether the event would return to Victoria Avenue or stay in town next year, he added: “We are looking at a hybrid.
“It is going to take some planning and we need to do a proper debrief of the exhibitors, find out what they think and find out what the general consensus is.”
He noted that making the town event work with bigger floats – which could involve rebuilding chassis – might be “expensive”.
“We will look at it,” he continued.
“As soon as we have had a chance to let the dust settle we will talk about it and come up with a plan.”
General manager at The Troubadour, Ben Kavanagh, described this year’s format as “absolutely fantastic”.
“It was a little bit more intimate and people seemed to be engaging more,” he added.
Noting the crowds that flocked to the Weighbridge, including those who came to watch the fireworks on Saturday evening, he said there had been “an extra buzz in the air”.
“It just brought town to life.”
Colmar, Bar Levant and Quayside owner David Voisin also said he thought this year’s Battle was “a success”.
“It needed refreshing and for me, it worked very well,” he added.
St Helier’s head of engagement and town centre manager Connor Burgher said: “It was good to see town really busy and so many people enjoying themselves.”
And St Helier Constable Simon Crowcroft hailed the event as a “tremendous success”.
He continued: “Huge congratulations to the organisers, who had to surmount a lot of difficulties.”
Mr Crowcroft said that he “would certainly hope that the town parade will happen next year” and that he was “relaxed about whether we have the main parade on Victoria Avenue”.
“I have got every confidence that the new Battle of Flowers committee will make a go of it,” he added, noting that he was “looking forward to a debrief”.
Many Islanders took to social media to share their thoughts, with one commenting that it was “the best battle in a long time”.
Another added: “It was fabulous this year and with the floats being smaller and the route, it felt like it was more interactive for the children and adults alike. Please keep it like this definitely a better format.”
A JEP poll asking “should Battle stay free in town” this week garnered more than 1,000 votes, with around 90% of respondents answering yes.
