Chichester Cathedral’s Festival of Flowers for 2018 will be themed on “This Earthly Paradise”, and will be designed by Jose Morum-Pound, it has been revealed.
“This Earthly Paradise” will explore plant hunting, botany, horticulture and gardening, celebrating the “plants which gave the continents their unique identity and fed the imagination which continues to inspire today’s gardeners and explorers”.
A spokesman said: “Jose’s passion for plants is undeniable: A keen gardener and floral arranger her appreciation of their beauty and knowledge of their history and use are evident from the design unveiled at today’s launch. Over 240 flower arrangers across Sussex have been anticipating the announcement which will inspire over 80 floral arrangements, as the arrangers interpret the theme to sensational effect.”
Designer Emma Bridgewater, whose distinctive ceramics have a world-wide following, has been announced as the patron of the festival. And she is delighted to be taking the role. She said: “The natural world produces a spiritual and emotional effect on me. I am really delighted to be involved with the Festival. I feel a keen sense of anticipation already for that moment when you step into Chichester Cathedral to find it mystically transformed with flowers.”
Meanwhile, Jonathan and Elizabeth Sawday, from Apuldram Roses, have revealed the festival flower as “Nostalgia”, a highly perfumed tea rose whose creamy blooms are uniquely edged with cherry red. Gardener’s World viewers voted the rose as the plant which has made the biggest impact on gardens over the past 50 years, making the Nostalgia Rose the perfect choice.
The Festival of Flowers is organised by Chichester Cathedral Restoration & Development Trust and is the highest revenue-earning event in the trust’s portfolio raising vital funds. The Festival attracts 15,000 visitors and has raised around £1million towards the cost of restoration work at Chichester Cathedral over the past 20 years.
The Festival of Flowers 2018 takes place over three days (31st May – 2nd June) during which visitors can experience the beauty of Chichester Cathedral adorned with flowers and trees, a programme of live music, a fair, plant fair and Café des Fleurs.
