Battle ‘must become more commercial’

Wednesday 23rd June 2010, 2:58PM BST.

Even the historic Battle of Flowers may not be safe from funding cuts

THE Battle of Flowers will have to become more commercialised if plans to reduce States grants are approved, the Economic Development Minister has warned.

Senator Alan Maclean recently announced proposals to reduce the amount available for grants given to events by £138,000 a year as part of plans to cut the department’s budget.

Speaking at a Scrutiny hearing last week, the minister said that some events would have to turn to the private sector for support as the States seeks to further reduce spending over the coming years.

And he said that the historic Battle of Flowers may not be exempt from the cuts.
‘The Battle of Flowers is an exceptionally important event and has obviously received support for many years. Whether it will continue at the same level is questionable,’ he said.

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