Paraders spend hundreds of hours on creations

Families, friends and first-timers have come together for the one of Guernsey's best-loved traditions.

Entrants have spent months building colourful creations for the North Show and Battle of Flowers.

The event traces its roots back to the early 20th Century and has become a celebration of creativity, community spirit and thousands of hand-made flowers, with competitors working late into the night to make sure their floats are ready for the parade.

Among this year's entrants were Michelle Roussel and Nick Ford who said the float had taken about 325 to 350 hours to complete and featured an estimated 15,000 to 16,000 flowers.

Ford explained 10 people had worked on the project and the design had been inspired by a similar entry created by Roussel's family more than three decades ago.

The group is making its Battle of Flowers debut after years of preparation.

Ford said: "It's probably taken about three or four years to build up to this."

Beth Gabriel's float, called Special Delivery, features her four-month-old nephew Felix and two-month-old goddaughter Clara nestled inside flower-covered pods.

Gabriel, who is getting married on Saturday, will also be pushing a wedding cake wheelbarrow decorated during her hen party. Her family has been involved in floats for decades and she said taking part remained a highlight of the year.

"I always say this is like my Christmas day. It is the best feeling," she said.

For Amy Lapeiro and her family, inspiration came from a different source. Their Super Mario-themed float was inspired by her daughters getting a Nintendo Switch for Christmas.

Lapeiro, who has been involved in the Battle of Flowers for about six years, said the event remained a vital part of island heritage.

"It helps make the show," she said. "It's a great time spending time with family and friends as well."

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