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Eurovision star Sam Ryder, who won over the continent's audiences in 2022 with his song 'Space Man', has been announced as an out-of-this-world celebrity guest at this year's Battle of Flowers.
Organisers have also teased a mystery guest, described as "an internationally-acclaimed musical artist", performing on the Sunday although they have yet to reveal who that is.
This year's event will also see all 12 parishes represented for the first time "in a generation", according to organisers, after some parishes banded together following dwindling participation.
Audience favourite from 2023, the Notting Hill Carnival band Flagz, are due to return to the parade too.
Battle of Flowers organisers announced their plans for the event on Friday 26 April, with the event taking place over three days in August.
Pictured: Grouville won the 2023 Prix d'Excellence with a sky pirates theme. (David Ferguson)
Ryder came second in the 2022 Eurovision Song Contest, bringing the event to the UK for the first time since 1998. The event was won by the Ukrainian entry, with hosting duties falling to the UK due to the ongoing conflict in the country.
The singer is set to take part in the the Battle day parade, held on Friday 9 August from 4pm, followed by a full-length concert.
Battle event director Adam Flynn said: “Sam’s incredible singing voice matched with a loveable personality shot him into the top flight of the music industry and across social media with over 40 million followers.
"He’s a perfect fit for us, will add an exciting new dimension to our offer, and will help boost Battle’s international profile.”
Watch: After his Eurovision success, Sam Ryder was a contender for the Christmas Number One with "You're Christmas to Me"
Organisers have also highlighted that this year's Battle of Flowers is due to see all 12 parishes represented – with St Martin, St John and Trinity joining up to form the "Northern Alliance", and St Mary and St Ouen teaming up to enter.
Getting all parishes involved has been "a long-held ambition", according to Battle chairman Russell Labey, who added: "With a little help and support for our returning parishes from Battle Command, it looks like we’ve made it.
"Now everyone will have a float to get behind and cheer for on the day, in what will be the biggest parade in recent memory.”
Tickets are available from today at battleofflowers.com, as well as in person from Meadowbank starting on Friday 3 May. Ticket trailers are due to tour parishes in July. Friday tickets include the Sam Ryder performance. Tickets for Sunday's performance are to be sold via the Jersey Opera House.
Islanders aged 18 or over who are interested in getting involved can email vicechair@battleofflowers.com.
Friday 9 August: Grand Day Parade from 4pm, with Sam Ryder involved in the parade and finale
Saturday 10 August: Moonlight Parade from 8.30pm
Sunday 11 August: Mystery musician, still to be announced, to perform in Lower Park in a collaboration between the Battle and the Jersey Opera House.
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