THE high winds and torrential rain of recent days abated to be replaced by glorious sunshine, the crisis caused by the delivery of thousands of rotten blooms was forgotten, and float-builders and officials were safe in the knowledge that a new major sponsor, CPA, had stepped forward to push money worries in to the background.

The scene was thus set yesterday afternoon for a Battle of Flowers to remember – and the crowds lining Victoria Avenue were not disappointed. They were treated to a spectacle that was a tribute to the months of hard work that Battle enthusiasts put in to ensure that the Island’s principal summer event is, year in and year out, a resounding success.

This year’s floats were magnificent and those stalwarts of Battle endeavour, the Optimists, were worthy winners of the major prize. Meanwhile, Trinity and St Saviour demonstrated emphatically that they have now moved up to the highest level of parish float building, which for so long was the preserve of St Clement and Grouville.

Mr Battle, Christopher Biggins, was quite literally the star of the show. A natural extrovert with a capital E – who also happens to have a warm and engaging personality – he spared no energy in relating to and delighting an appreciative mass audience. Miss Battle, Holly Fraser, also fell easily into her by no means straightforward role, giving the impression that she has spent her entire life being a centre of attraction in front of crowds of spectators.

If, however, there has to be a criticism of the Battle parade it is by no means a new one. In spite of all the necessary ingredients being present, the familiar limitations of the Victoria Avenue arena played their part in restricting the momentum of the parade and so dampening the carnival atmosphere.

But this is a minor complaint. Battle 2008 can be counted as a triumph, a feather in the cap of all those who, despite odds that seemed to be stacked against it, made it so enjoyable, and an outstanding example of an event which has helped to put Jersey on the map since the earliest years of the last century.