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Blogs by Annie Le Voguer
Battle of Flowers 8/14/2008 1:41:02 AM
Build up to the parade I've written an article on Jersey to describe the island in context to my book Teenager en Provence. In it I mention the Battle of Flowers.
It's been going over 100 years now and I thought I'd say what it's like being involved in its creation.
Firstly, the Battle of Flowers is a parade that is held on the second Thursday of August. Around 30 floats take part, bands, dancers, circus acts and all sorts of side shows. It travels up and down our 'Esplanade' - our dual carriageway into town - which is closed to traffic and lined with stands.
Every float has received sponsorship from the Tourism Office but it doesn't cover the costs, they have to be found through sponsorship so to begin with there are events to raise money like bingo nights and car boots.
The float is decorated in thousands of flowers and haretails. We've been haretailing fo rmonths in the evenings, working on a Harry Potter theme. So, we've got owls, cats, rats, spiders, a huge six foot griffindor, a Phoenix and all sorts of odds and bobs covered in coloured tails.
I've just spent the last two days sticking the flowers on the float which has been gridded in squares to make it easier - 4x4 or 6x6, it means the flowers are even. They can't be put on before, they'll wilt and die.
Last Thursday the flowers arrived and a host of Parishioners met to strip the leaves and put them into disinfectant. We've since had helpers that have cut the flower heads and put them into trays. Some have put the glue on, some pass trays around. Importantly we had two ladies that looked after tea and coffee and the food. Again, Parishioners baked cakes and made sandwiches. It's a huge team effort that brings the community together.
It's been exhausting work but it's been a wonderful spirit of togetherness.
Today my daughter will walk up and down the parade as one of the dancers - my efforts will be rewarded by her beautiful face smiling and waving at everyone.
Tomorrow night they have a moonlight parade where the floats are covered in fairy lights and they do it all again in the dark.
Both events are sensational and Jersey never has a spare bed at this time of year as visitors flock to it year after year.
You can see more by going to wwww.battleofflowers.com
More Blogs by Annie Le Voguer • We won a prize! - Wednesday, August 20, 2008 • Battle of Flowers - Thursday, August 14, 2008 • After the event - Monday, August 4, 2008 • Thanks - Wednesday, July 16, 2008
