Battle of Flowers Cancelled: Public Opinions

Jersey's 2025 Battle of Flowers Cancelled Amid Financial Struggles

The cancellation of Jersey’s 2025 Battle of Flowers has sparked disappointment across the island, with organisers citing a £150,000 overspend in 2024 as the key reason for the decision.

A breakaway group, the Battle Strategy Group, has vowed to hold a smaller-scale version of the event this year despite financial uncertainty.

Jersey’s Chief Minister and former Battle chair, Lyndon Farnham, called for a full review of the event’s logistics and finances, expressing confidence in its return for 2026.

Longtime float builder Chris Bidan called the cancellation "devastating" and stressed the importance of keeping the tradition alive. Meanwhile, Martyn Maguire of the Battle Strategy Group stated, "We cannot let this happen again" and pledged to deliver an event for islanders.

The decision has also affected visitors, including Sheena Ferrand, who planned a nostalgic trip with her granddaughters to see the parade. Local officials, including Connétable Mark Labey, lamented the loss of the event, calling it a "tragedy" for Jersey’s heritage.

Despite the setback, government officials, including Deputy Kirsten Morel, are working to ensure the long-term future of the Battle of Flowers, acknowledging its cultural significance to the island.