Battle Of Flowers set to return to former route

A Battle of Flowers organiser has said this year's two parades are set to return to Victoria Avenue on 14 and 15 August.

Martyn Maguire, who chairs the Battle of Flowers Association, said the Bailiff's panel was in favour of the move, after a temporary route through St Helier town centre was introduced in 2025, but it was subject to final approval.

Maguire said the alternative route was "logistically really difficult to do" and the organisers wanted to return to Victoria Avenue. Unlike in previous years, the floats will only go along the avenue in one direction per parade.

He confirmed the event would again be free to attend, after the association secured a £160,000 grant from the government.

"Our main ambition as the new association is to always keep battle free, so for this year it will be free once more."

Maguire said he hoped it would result in more people attending.

A recent report showed 28,000 people went to the two parades in 2025, 6,000 more than in 2024.

But, Maguire said the grant would not cover the total costs.

"We are very fortunate that we get a grant from [the] government, which helps us a lot, but we're always looking for more sponsorship if we can get it."

He said the event cost more than £200,000 to put on.

The BBC has contacted the government for comment.

Unlike in previous years, the floats are set to only go along the avenue in one direction per parade.

For the day parade, the floats will start near the Old Station Cafe and finish at Lower Park. The moonlight parade will go in the opposite direction.

In between, the floats will be fenced in at Lower Park for people to look at.