THE Battle of Flowers and the International Air Display used to be the only Island events which could claim to attract truly mass audiences. Now a third name takes its legitimate place alongside those major annual attractions.

Jersey Live might appeal to a narrower age group than either the Battle or the Air Display, but it most certainly counts as an immense success story with tremendous appeal for Islanders and visitors alike.

Our rock festival, now in its sixth year, is also attracting a great deal of attention at the national level, with recognised pundits describing it in glowing terms.

It seems that a capacity crowd of some 10,000 turned out at the weekend to be entertained over the course of two hectic, music-filled days. And, by all accounts, the crowd’s expectations were fulfilled to general satisfaction.

The strength of organisation behind the event must have had a great deal to do with this. So, too, however, must the performances of the acts – headline and support – and the additional facilities which complemented the main stages.

To the credit of the vast bulk of those who attended, and of the organisers, this year’s festival was also remarkably trouble-free, given the sheer numbers of people involved. It seems that there were only two arrests for relatively minor transgressions – both outside the venue itself.

As well as giving a great deal of pleasure to members of the audience – and, no doubt, performers too, Jersey Live plays an important role of relevance to those whose preference is for Mozart as well as those who revel in rock and pop.

Besides bringing much-needed revenue to the Island, it helps to put our community on the map, countering the perception that we are nothing more than a low-tax refuge where every second person is a millionaire or a fugitive on the run from Sgt Jim Bergerac.

Jersey Live’s organisers would, naturally enough, like to see their event grow. So, too, would a great many of those who attend.

In broad terms, an even bigger festival would be in the general interests of the Island, though there must be a caveat. It must be demonstrated that what is good for Jersey Live and its audience remains acceptable to the good citizens of Trinity who live close enough to the action at the Royal Jersey Showground to be seriously disturbed or inconvenienced.