Government to give £160k in funding for Battle

Battle of Flowers is being scaled back in 2025 after the event lost significant sums of money last year

Jersey's government will give nearly £160k in funding for this year's Battle of Flowers, despite the event making heavy losses last year.

Economic Development Minister, Deputy Kirsten Morel, has asked his chief officer to approve the funding request of £158,750.

There were doubts the event would happen this year following last year's overspend of about £150k, but free smaller parades organised by a breakaway committee will be held in St Helier's town centre, instead of a large event on Victoria Avenue.

Deputy Morel wrote: "I have considered the balance of risks and it is my judgement that a grant to the event organisers is necessary in order to enable a Battle of Flowers Parade in 2025."

Deputy Kirsten Morel says the benifits of funding Battle outweighs the risk

Deputy Morel said: "It is the role of Ministers to consider the wider balance of risks and take into consideration the broader economic and social imperatives".

He admitted there was "significant overspend" last year and the government "does not have an established relationship" with the new organisers.

But, the Minister described the Battle of Flowers, which was first held in 1902, as an "iconic event" and "an important fixture," which "brings Islanders together."

Battle is due to be held on the 8 and 9 August, and the parades will be free to watch.