Crowds flock to scaled-down Battle of Flowers

A woman stood on a float wearing a hat which is Dutch-themed. She has a bike with flowers and there are people at the front watching on.
Image caption,

A Dutch-themed float brings a carnival atmosphere to the streets of Jersey

  • Published

Crowds lined the streets of St Helier to watch Jersey's Battle of Flowers parade.

Renowned for its colourful floral floats and dancers, the 123-year-old annual event brings a carnival atmosphere to the streets of Jersey.

There were Disney-themed floats as well as others which celebrated nature and the world of films and music.

The event was free of charge and scaled-down this year to save money, and the exhibits, marching bands and dancers went through the town instead of along Victoria Avenue.

A person smiling with sunglasses on their head. They're wearing a blue top and are stood near the parade.
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Bianca Walters said there were more people this year

There will be an evening parade on Saturday at 19:30, with a firework finale.

Both parades are free to attend this year for the first time.

Bianca Walters said it was "probably a bit better this way".

"There are more people, the atmosphere's back and everyone's enjoying themselves," she said.

A person smiling and stood in the street waiting for the parade.
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Tia Hardwidge said it was really different

Tia Hardwidge said: "It's nice just being in town seeing it rather than it being on the Avenue. I think it's really different."

Justine Young added: "It's bigger down the avenue, the floats are bigger but here it's more, because you get to take part a little bit closer to it, it's really good."

A person wearing glasses and a red and white top with a tie at the neck. They are stood nearby the road of the parade.
Image caption,

Justine Young attended the parade

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