Hundreds attend 2022 Flower Festival launch ‘in person’ and virtually

Over 200 flower arrangers gathered ‘in person’ at Salisbury Cathedral and online via live stream last Friday (1 October) for the launch of Celebration: A Festival of Flowers, Salisbury Cathedral’s 2022 Flower Festival.

 

The festival, which is being designed by Michael Bowyer, Salisbury Cathedral’s Creative Director of Flowers, and floral designers Angela Turner and Pam Lewis, takes place from 10th May to 15th May next year. The theme, Celebration, includes two major events – the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and the Cathedral’s 800th Anniversary – along with a host of other reasons to rejoice.

 

Michael Bowyer, Creative Director of Flowers at Salisbury Cathedral said:

“Every church and every flower club in the diocese and local area, from North Wiltshire down to Dorset, parts of Wessex, Guernsey and Jersey, have been invited to participate. The response has been terrific and, starting in early 2022, we will be working with these wonderful volunteers in a series of workshops and participatory events, to prepare for the festival in May.”

 

Susan Branch, Salisbury Cathedral’s Flower Administrator said:

“It is wonderful to be getting on with the festival planning after the delay caused by the pandemic. However, lockdown and restrictions did have some unexpected benefits as far as Cathedral flowers are concerned. It gave us time to think hard about how our arrangements could be made more sustainable. For example, we are now using wire instead of oasis foam. Visitors will see evidence of those changes in the Cathedral today, and in the floral sculptures and arrangements at the festival.”

 

Originally intended to celebrate the anniversary of Cathedral’s foundation in 2020, Celebration: A Festival of Flowers was delayed due to the Covid pandemic. When it finally takes place next year, along with celebrating the Royal Jubilee and the Cathedral’s past, present and future, there will be space to reflect on the pandemic and the keyworkers who have helped us through these difficult times. Walk through rainbow arches will created to remember them and thank them, along with the many volunteers who have supported their communities over the last two years.

 

Tickets for Celebration: A Festival of Flowers are now on sale via the Cathedral website and, for those looking for a very special experience, tickets to a Festival Preview event are also available online, as well the chance to take an exclusive early morning tour with a designer followed by breakfast in the Refectory. Click here to book tickets.

Groups (10 people or more) interested in visiting the festival should contact groups@salcath.co.uk or phone 01722 512156. Special experiences can be booked by groups, but tickets are limited.
 

For any other enquiries or further information contact Marie Thomas on 01747 555148 or m.thomas@salcath.co.uk.