Jersey Battle of Flowers returns for 120th year

Floats paraded down Victoria Avenue in St Helier alongside dancers and marching bands

The Jersey Battle of Flowers has returned for its 120th anniversary.

The annual flower festival was postponed for two years due to the pandemic, with the last event in 2019.

Floats from across Jersey's 12 parishes took part, competing for the Prix d'Honneur, Prix d'Excellence and Grand Prix des Fleurs.

The day parade along Victoria Avenue, St Helier started at 14:30 BST, with the Moonlight Parade taking place at 21:00 on Friday.

Chairwoman of the Battle of Flowers committee Margaret Fitzgerald said after "what seemed like such an age", the parade had returned.

"We've gone through a very tough few years but now is the time for us to hopefully put all this dreadful stuff to the back of our minds, move forward and look towards brighter and fonder memories on the horizon as we finally come together to celebrate one of our island's biggest and most loved summer spectacles," she said.

The Optimists Club's tribute to the world of silent films won the top prize at this year's Battle of Flowers parade

The awards went to:

• Prix D'Honneur - The Optimists Club - When Movies were Movies

• Prix D'Excellence -  Grouville Battle of Flowers Association - Ghost Train

• Grand Prix des Fleurs  - Parish of St Clement - C'est Magique

• Prix de Merit - Friends of Galaad - Wimbo wa Ngoma

• Prix Décor - Parish of St Lawrence Juniors - Mad Hatters Tea Party

• Junior Prix D'Honneur  - Parish of St Lawrence Juniors - Mad Hatters Tea Party

• Junior Prix D'Excellence - Parish of St Clement Juniors - Dahn the Dilly

• Prix D'Honneur de Papier - Parish of St Saviour - Huang Long

Floats paraded alongside dancers and marching bands.

The biggest carnival of Jersey's summer season returned to the arena on Victoria Avenue for the first time since 2019

"For the exhibitors taking part, this is the culmination of many months, and in some cases, years of dedication, passion and sheer hard work," Ms Fitzgerald said.

The St Brelade Battle of Flowers Association said it would no longer be taking part in Thursday's parade due to a failed generator.

In a statement on Facebook, the St Brelade Battle of Flowers Association said: "Due to safety reasons we have had to pull out of The Day Parade.

"Thank you to the Jersey Battle of Flowers who have allowed the participants to still all take part in today's parade. Thank you for everyone's ongoing support.

"We will work hard and hopefully make it into The Moonlight Parade."

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