Miss Battle Lucy O’Sullivan, Battle Bee and Miss Junior Battle Sophie Young (11) offer a floral greeting at the Airport to new arrivals Jean Tasker, Donna Cosham and Danielle Cosham (12) Picture by Tony Pike (00761447)

AFTER months of preparations, Battle of Flowers week officially got under way this weekend.

Miss Battle Lucy O’Sullivan and Miss Junior Battle Sophie Young spent Saturday morning in the Airport arrivals hall, welcoming visitors who were coming over for this week’s parade.

The pair, who were joined by Assistant Economic Development Minister Paul Routier and the Battle Bee, greeted hundreds of tourists, by presenting them with floral garlands and flower buds.

It is the fifth year that Miss Battle has been given the chance to meet holidaymakers in this way and Lucy said that it was a great way to kick off her big week.

‘This was a fantastic start to my Battle week, as I got to meet and greet the visitors, many of whom are holidaying in Jersey at this time because of the Battle of Flowers,’ she said. ‘I’m told that it is becoming a tradition for visitors to be met this way and one that I am more than happy to carry on.’

Battle chairman Tony Perkins said that greeting tourists has become an important part of Miss Battle’s week.

‘This is the fifth year that arriving passengers have been personally greeted by Miss Battle of Flowers and it adds that special touch to our exciting week ahead,’ he said. ‘It was also an opportunity to remind people of the event itself and to encourage them to get their tickets in advance of the day so as not to be disappointed.’

And Senator Routier said that he also enjoyed getting into the Battle spirit. ‘The Jersey Battle of Flowers is such an important event in the Island’s summer calendar,’ he said.
‘I was delighted to represent both Jersey Airport and Jersey Tourism in assisting Miss Battle in helping promote the event to our visitors.’

Miss Battle Lucy O’Sullivan, Battle Bee and Miss Junior Battle Sophie Young (11) offer a floral greeting at the Airport to new arrivals  Jean Tasker, Donna Cosham and Danielle Cosham (12) Picture by tony Pike (00761447)