The outgoing Board of the Battle of Flowers has blamed soaring freight and staging costs for some of the festival's money troubles.
In a statement - the first it has made since details of the 2024 losses emerged -it says 'every penny is accounted for'.
The board says higher shipping costs and last minute equipment hire charges, plus a bigger bill for security to comply with the Bailiff's licensing requirements, all contributed to its financial challenges last year.
It lists:
- Transport and freight costs: a 58% increase in charges from Condor Ferries
- Staging and equipment hire: a 158% increase in hire costs
- Security and licensing: - a new ratio of 1 staff to every 150 attendees, some of whom had to be brought in from the UK.
The total bill for the event was almost three quarters of a million pounds, making a substantial loss despite higher ticket sales and positive feedback about the parades.
"The board has ensured that every penny is accounted for, with financial statements compiled pro bono by a qualified accountant. The board members work for the Battle on a voluntary basis, in some cases in addition to full-time jobs and family commitments and have not financially benefited from the event. In fact, one or more board members have personally lent their own funds to help ensure the successful delivery of the event."
The board says it is committed to working with stakeholders to resolve outstanding debts.
Exhibitors met this week to begin planning what smaller floral events will happen this August instead of the traditional carnival along Victoria Avenue.
The Battle Strategy Group says it wants to return the event to its community roots.
Economic Development Minister Kirsten Morel told the States Assembly this week that he 'stands ready' with a £220,000 grant to help with 'a display of sorts' in 2025.
The board says it 'fully supports' the Battle Strategy Group 'as they take the reins in planning future Battle events and extend their best wishes to the new team as they work to ensure that Jersey’s most iconic event continues to thrive'.
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