Performers to have hydration breaks during parade

People performing in the Battle of Flowers this Friday will be given hydration breaks every 25 minutes to help deal with the hot weather.

Organisers said walking and working around the floats could be physically demanding and with the heat set to reach 27C (80.6F), according to Jersey Met, it will be necessary to have breaks.

The Battle of Flowers Association announced its fireworks finale would go ahead on Saturday despite a higher risk of wildfires, whilst private displays have been cancelled due to the dry summer Jersey has experienced.

The association said, like the football World Cup, water breaks would last three minutes.

It said it recognised that "performing, walking and working around the floats in hot conditions could be physically demanding, particularly for those who are participating for extended periods".

The association said the breaks had been planned carefully to give participants "regular opportunities to take on water and recover from the heat, while ensuring the parade continues to move and remains as close as possible to its planned timetable".

Martyn Maguire, from the Battle of Flowers Association, said those watching were also encouraged to drink plenty of water before and throughout the event, wear appropriate clothing, use sun protection and "look out for one another".

He said: "We are very conscious the expected temperatures will place additional demands on those taking part in the battle and we want everyone to enjoy the experience safely.

"The regular hydration breaks are a practical measure that will allow participants to rehydrate throughout the parade without significantly affecting the running of the event.

"We would also encourage everyone coming along to watch the battle to prepare for the heat."

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