Project aims to protect island's cultural identity

Jersey Heritage said the Battle of Flowers was part of the island's cultural identity

People have been asked what Jersey traditions they want to keep alive for future generations.

Jersey Heritage said its intangible cultural heritage project aimed to document customs and stories from across the island.

Traditions identified as part of the project would then be added to an inventory to be submitted to Unesco's cultural heritage list for consideration.

Vic Tanner-Davy, Jersey Heritage's head of programmes, said the ideas would be would be put to a public consultation before a final list is sent to the UN organisation.

'Get involved'

Mr Tanner-Davy said the charity was keen to hear from people on what cultural traditions they wanted to keep alive.

"Intangible heritage is held in the things that we do and say, the knowledge we hold and the traditions we value," he said.

"Our intangible cultural heritage project is wide-ranging and, by its very nature, needs as many people as possible to get involved and ensure the knowledge and customs that are most dear to islanders are protected for future generations to learn about and enjoy."

The charity's board has already highlighted the Battle of Flowers, a floral parade that takes place annually in Jersey, "as an exemplum of the enormous power of cultural activity to express identity".

Unesco said inclusion on its intangible cultural heritage list meant member states should have policies to "monitor and promote" traditions and take "appropriate safeguarding measures" to preserve them.

Italian opera singing, the French baguette and the traditional Thai massage are among the recent additions to the list.