Flower festival in Hemingford Abbots will transform village church

The beautiful Grade 1 St Margaret's Church will be brought to life when more than 3,000 blooms, of flowers and colours, are used in the creation of the theme for this year's festival, which is 'And God Planted a Garden Eastward in Eden'. Following almost 18 months of planning, developing themes and ideas and allocating the use of every single stem; the Flower Guild team of 28 members will decorate the church for visitors from the moment they enter the church via the bell tower.

Bridget Flanagan, chairman of the Flower Guild, said: "Once the displays are complete we all feel immense relief that we have made it all happen and brought a display to reality. I am always very proud of the team and amazed at the high standards that we achieve from a small village group. There's a lot of talent and love and it shows."

She continued: "This festival we will be looking at, and using, alternative ways to create the displays and reduce the amount of the old florist oasis used due to its poor green credentials. So where we can we will try to use other methods, and mechanics, to hold the flowers in place such as chicken wire and moss."

Flower festival chairman, Pam Bartlett, added: "In addition to the church and gardens, visitors can enjoy a fine display of historical cars, Morris Dancers outside the thatched village pub, river trips or just sit and relax with a traditional afternoon tea in beautiful surroundings listening to a brass band whilst watching the world go by."

INFO: For more information about the Hemingford Abbots Flower Festival, visit: www.hemingfordabbots.org.uk or Facebook: @haflowerfestival or Twitter: @haflowerfest.

Gardens are open from midday till 6pm. Cost is £8 per day programme or £13 for a weekend programme per person. Under 18s free of charge as is car parking. The proceeds from this event will be put towards the maintenance and restoration of St Margaret's Church, Hemingford Abbots.