Battle organiser looks to commercial sponsorship

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

The organisers of the Jersey Battle of Flowers say they think next year's event will need further support from local businesses.

Battle chairman, Russell Labey, said he wanted the island's businesses to sponsor elements of the event such as the stage and trains.

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

Mr Labey said "negotiations with the government are under way" to secure exhibitors a guaranteed payment to help them take part in the parade.

He said: "When I took office the first thing I did was to secure exhibitors a 10% uplift in the guaranteed payment that they get from government to enter the parade.

"I'd like to do that again as soon as I possibly can."

"The investment was absolutely vital this year and I think it's appropriate for governments to spend money on national joy," he added.

Mr Labey said he had a "good relationship" with the government's economic development team which were "really encouraging and supportive" of the event.