Organisers of the Battle of Flowers have confirmed that this year’s parades will return to Victoria Avenue on 14 and 15 August.

Martyn Maguire, chair of the Battle of Flowers Association, said the decision had been approved by the Bailiff’s panel. The event had followed a temporary route through St Helier town centre in 2025, but this proved difficult to manage.

He explained that the town route brought a number of logistical challenges, so the association has chosen to move back to Victoria Avenue. This year, floats will travel in just one direction during each parade, rather than along the full length both ways as in the past.

Maguire also confirmed that the event will once again be free to attend. This follows a £160,000 grant from the government, which has helped support the plans.

“Our main aim as the new association is to keep the Battle free for everyone,” he said. “We are pleased that we can do that again this year.”

He added that he hopes this will encourage even more people to come along. A recent report showed that around 28,000 people attended the two parades in 2025, an increase of 6,000 compared with the previous year.

While the grant has provided valuable support, Maguire said it does not cover the full cost of staging the event, which is more than £200,000. The association will continue to look for additional sponsorship where possible.

For the daytime parade, floats will set off near the Old Station Cafe and travel towards Lower Park. The moonlight parade will follow the same route in reverse.

Between the two parades, the floats will be held at Lower Park, giving visitors the chance to take a closer look.