GUERNSEY’S 2005 Battle of Flowers could be the most spectacular ever staged. Show president Bob Marquis said that while this week’s event had gone well, next year’s might be even better.

‘We are looking to support SeaGuernsey 2005, not with just a running theme but with a standalone spectacular,’ he said.

The show committee was currently trying to secure funding which was critical to the display.

Crowds flocked to Saumarez Park yesterday for the Battle of the Flowers at the 77th North Show.

Emmanuel Thursday Club’s Surfing with Nemo won the top honour – the Senior Prix d’Honneur – on a day when the rain stayed away.

Attendance on Wednesday was marginally down on last year but not enough to worry the organisers.

‘Last year we had a tribute band from the UK [The Rollin' Clones] and I don’t really see it as big problem,’ said Mr Marquis.

President of the Northern Agricultural and Horticultural Society for 11 years, Mr Marquis said the North Show had moved with the times.

‘It has evolved from a tri-parochial horticulture and agricultural show to what it is today,’ he said. It was a question of meeting public demand and people were quick to speak up when they did not like things.

Credit for introducing the various UK entertainment to the main arena went to his predecessor Bas Girard and his committee.

Bailiff Sir de Vic Carey said the event was as good as ever and long might it survive.

‘Like any show, it needs people to come and support it and others to put it together,’ he said.

Chairman of principal Battle sponsor, the Long Port Group, Charles Billson said his company’s support of the show was part of its policy of making a partnership with the community.

‘The North Show is a family outing which supports the culture of the island,’ he said. ‘These things are so precious. There is so much benefit to this kind of event because you can actually create a community with so many people coming together to celebrate the summer and fellowship.’

The organisers deserved a big thank-you, he said.

Condor Ferries and VisitGuernsey also gave financial support to a show that culminated in a firework display sponsored by ComProp.