We did not get extra battle funding - competitors

Graham Gibson said it was important the extra government funding was spent on "reinvigorating" the Battle of Flowers

A number of competitors have told the BBC they did not get extra financial support for the 2024 Battle of Flowers, despite an increase in government grant funding.

Ministers gave organisers £270,000 for this year's event, 80% more than the £150,000 they agreed in 2023.

Popstars Sam Ryder and Marti Pellow and tribute act UK Queen performed across the three days, with tickets costing £10-£35.

Battle of Flowers organisers have been approached for comment.

Each of Jersey's 12 parishes were represented in this year's parade, including St Clement (pictured)

"We haven't had a particular increase in our grants," said Graham Gibson, the Chairman of the St Clement Battle of Flowers Association.

"But what we've managed to do is make sure we keep our costs down as much as we can. There are changes to the rule book which do make things easier.

"I think it was important that the extra funding was spent on reinvigorating the actual event, and it not just be the floral parade - which is the highlight - but also to bring in the extra acts which is a draw.

"We know that people want a lot for their money now."

Malcolm Lewis, from the Jersey Hospitality Association, said that the changes to Battle's format were remarkable

Malcolm Lewis, chair of the Jersey Hospitality Association, agreed with the decision to book musical acts in addition to the traditional parade.

He said the event had "lost its steam" in recent years.

But after attending the Moonlight Parade, he described as "remarkable" the changes implemented by organiser Russell Labey and his team.

"It was so busy and there were all ages there and everybody was having a good time," Mr Lewis said.

"I think the concert is a bolt-on that makes the whole event that much more appealing.

"It therefore gives the float builders and the actual parades themselves more of an impetus and more enthusiasm, and I think we have seen this year.

"The community spirit surrounding the making of these floats - that was really evident - and there is definitely a new impetus and a new energy and a vibrancy, and the float element and the parade element is going to grow and improve as time goes on.

"And as I say, Russell has a five-year plan. This is just year one.

"Can you imagine what it's going to be like in five years?"

"Let's leave the Battle of Flowers to stand in its own right," said Iris Fritz, who has attended the event a number of times in recent years

Resident Iris Fritz disagreed that the changes had been for the better.

Having attended the Battle of Flowers for a number of years, she felt the introduction of a concert had caused the event to lose its identity.

"For me that didn't sit right at all because we've got lots of music festivals which is great, it's fantastic to have those.

"I'm not sure whether we need another one muddled in with the Battle of Flowers," she said.

"Let's leave the Battle of Flowers to stand in its own right, because that's what's unique to Jersey.

"We haven't got it in Glastonbury. We've got it in Jersey.

"Let's be loud and proud about that."

Deputy Kirsten Morel signed off on the £270,000 government grant given to Battle organisers

"It's very easy to look at the parade and think, 'that's what the Battle of Flowers is'," said Deputy Kirsten Morel, Jersey's Minister for Sustainable Economic Development, who signed off on the £270,000 government grant.

"But as I've experienced myself working on Battle floats, it's not just the parade, it's the many months, even years of work done by members of the community of all ages from eight to 80.

"It's them getting together, designing the floats, building the floats and flowering the floats.

"That's where the real value of the community is."

Popstar Sam Ryder performed at this year's Battle of Flowers, as did Marti Pellow and tribute act UK Queen

Each of Jersey's 12 parishes had a float at this year's Battle of Flowers for the first time in more than two decades.

The Optimists Club took the Prix D'Honneur at Friday's parade, while Grouville won the Prix D'Excellence.

In a statement published earlier this week, Battle organisers said an estimated 22,000 people had attended the event across its three days.