Fireworks finale cancelled for Battle of Flowers

Jersey's Battle of Flowers moonlight parade will not end with a fireworks show this year, organisers have confirmed.

Thousands of people gathered in St Helier for the Battle of Flowers on Friday, with a total of 23 teams showing off their creations in the day parade which was filled with music and dancing.

Organisers had originally planned to go ahead with a fireworks display for the Saturday evening show despite concerns from the fire service.

However, following talks with the relevant authorities and stakeholders, the association said it had decided cancelling the fireworks finale was the safest plan due to the "continuing concerns around the exceptionally dry conditions".

Jersey officially entered a drought on Tuesday after 15 days without rain.

The association said: "The fireworks were planned to be launched from a vessel positioned offshore in St Aubin's Bay, with significant safety distances incorporated into the plans and the vessel's position capable of being adjusted according to conditions on the day.

"However, despite the considerable work undertaken, we have been unable to reach a position required to secure the necessary licence for the display."

It added: "The safety of the public, our exhibitors, volunteers, contractors and emergency services must always come first.

"We therefore believe that cancelling the display is the responsible decision."

To counteract the loss of fireworks, the association said it would bring "additional confetti moments and special effects into the parade".

"The flowers, floats, music, colour and Battle spirit will most certainly go on - with a little extra confetti thrown in for good measure."

The moonlight parade is scheduled to begin at 20:45 BST and run westwards along the arena on Victoria Avenue before ending at Rue de Galet.

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