It took more than 50,000 blooms, 120 volunteers, 18 months of planning, eight local schools and one talented designer to transform the ancient space into a breathtaking floral and sensory experience that is expected to be attended by more than 10,000 visitors.
Overseen by lead designer Caroline Daines of Nordic Twigs, 66 displays have been installed throughout the cathedral, each inspired by her theme, ‘Nature’s Embrace’.
She said: “I feel incredibly thankful to have had such a great team. We’ve had a mix of professional florists, church flower arrangers and keen gardeners helping to create these displays. It’s been a wonderful experience collaborating with them.”
Nearly every nook and cranny of the cathedral holds a display, but the vivid installation beside the Piper Tapestry on the high altar, the ethereal blooms surrounding the shrine of St Richard, and The Secret Garden in the Lady Chapel are among the standout creations that will delight visitors.
The Secret Garden, which is sponsored by the Summer Berry Company from Colworth, features a strawberry patch and a picnic.
Helen Wilson, commercial services director, said the company was ‘thrilled to be asked’ to collaborate with the cathedral for the festival.
She added: “It's wonderful to be able to showcase the beauty of an English country garden.
“We enjoy partnering with organisations in the community, especially with those whose values match our own.
“When we first started working with Caroline Daines, we spoke about our approach to sustainability, and she was keen to incorporate that. So, you can see in the displays some of the wildflowers that grow up around our strawberry beds at the farm.”
The theme of wildness is mirrored elsewhere in the Festival of Flowers, with the serenity garden installation in the Chapel of St. Edmund of Abingdon offering a chance to rest and reflect.
Philippa Lane, event coordinator, said: “The Festival of Flowers is a huge undertaking, but it’s also a remarkable community achievement. From the florists and volunteers to the visitors who travel from near and far, the festival brings people together in a truly special way.
“The numbers tell part of the story – but the atmosphere, creativity and joy experienced inside the cathedral are what make it unforgettable.”
Music from cathedral organists Charles Harrison and Tim Ravalde will accompany visitors as they move among the displays, along with performances by harpist Margaret Watson, who said she has created a bespoke Tudor‑themed dress for the occasion.
Alison George, head of fundraising, said: “The cathedral is the most amazing and awe-inspiring space without the flowers, but they elevate it and make it inviting for people.
“Yes, the event is about fundraising, but it is also about mission. It’s amazing how many people who live in Chichester say they have never been in. It’s a landmark we take for granted.
“We want people who know and love Chichester to come and experience the cathedral and this special event.”
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the biennial event, and Alison George emphasised its importance to the economy of the city: “For every £1 spent in the Cathedral, another £4 is spent in the town.”
Since the festival’s inception in 1996, the Cathedral has raised £1.4 million, which it has used to fund major projects like the refurbishment of the roof. The next plan, said Alison George, is to restore the Bell Tower.
The Festival of Flowers will run until Saturday, June 6. During the Festival, visitors are also invited to explore the Flower Market in the Cloisters and on the Cathedral Green, where there will also be a wide-range of stalls and refreshments.
13. Festival of Flowers at Chichester Cathedral celebrates 30th anniversary
From the bold and colourful installations guiding visitors up the 950-year-old nave, to the wilder and more poignant displays in the side chapels, this year's Festival of Flowers in Chichester Cathedral is an extraordinary feat of community and creativity. Photo: Hollie Robards / HR26060203 / Iconic Media Group