A GROUP of Morris dancers who travelled almost 9,000 miles to Jersey are among the acts set to wow Islanders as the Battle of Flowers returns to its historic home on Victoria Avenue.

Ngāti Morris, which represents the New Zealand Morris dancing community, has joined local counterparts, the Jersey Lillies, during a pre-scheduled trip to the Island.

The group comprises dancers and musicians from different Morris sides across Aotearoa – the Māori name for New Zealand – and will perform alongside the Jersey Lillies during the entertainment ahead of tomorrow’s daytime parade.

Ngāti Morris described themselves as a “close-knit nationwide community” who “meet, dance and make merry regularly”.

They added: “Those available relish any chance to come together and perform internationally. Ngāti Morris are honoured to be a part of this year’s Battle of Flowers.”

The group will be among a packed programme of entertainment accompanying the floral spectacle’s return to Victoria Avenue.

The daytime parade will feature dozens of floats, performers and bands, with creations including Mary Poppins, Finding Nemo, Kpop Demon Hunters, and Shrek.

Pre-parade entertainment from 2pm will also include the Dolphin Marching Band, singers, dancers and Fire FX.

The festivities will continue with Saturday’s Moonlight Parade, when Fire FX, dancers, performers and the Dolphin Marching Band will entertain crowds before the procession.

Battle stays on the Avenue – 49 years ago

THE possibility of moving the Battle of Flowers away from Victoria Avenue – including taking the parade through the streets of town – was discussed almost half a century ago.

In August 1977, exhibitors gathered at the Hotel de France for a meeting on the future format of the Battle.

Suggestions included changing the parade route to take it through the streets, or holding the event at Springfield or the People’s Park.

But the alternatives raised concerns. Springfield was considered “rather small”, while the People’s Park was thought to present problems because of crowds and manoeuvring the exhibits.

Instead, a proposal that the Battle should remain on Victoria Avenue was seconded and passed.

The meeting also heard wider discussion about the future of the event, including its finances, the size and number of exhibits and how to attract more visitors.

The JEP reported the decision on 31 August 1977 under the headline: “BATTLE STAYS ON VICTORIA AVENUE”.

Nearly 49 years later, the Battle is once again returning to its historic Victoria Avenue home.

The return to Victoria Avenue today marks the first time the event has been held on its traditional route since 2024.