The eagerly-awaited Launch of the Chichester Cathedral Festival of Flowers 2020 took place yesterday (11th June 6.30pm), when flower arrangers and VIPs from across the county gathered in the Cathedral to discover the theme of the Festival and the celebrity Patron for the first time.
Returning as Designer of the Festival of Flowers 2020, Mrs Lyn Robinson revealed the theme of the Festival as ‘Realms of Glory’ featuring quotations from the Bible, Psalms, Hymns, Carols and Prayers in picturesque tableaux, gardens and pedestal arrangements. These include a ‘Garden of Eden’; the sailing of the ‘Mayflower’ to America 400 years ago; Summer, Autumn and Winter gardens; an Easter Garden; a Rainbow; a Heavenly Feast, and Angels in the Cloisters amongst many other displays. Over 200 flower arrangers will interpret Lyn’s designs, transforming the 900 year old Cathedral into a stunning visual array of creative, imaginative and beautiful flower arrangements.
Hugh Bonneville, star of stage and screen, was announced as the 2020 Patron. Fresh from his recent celebrated performance at the Chichester Festival Theatre in ‘Shadowlands’, Hugh is delighted to be involved with the 13th Festival of Flowers, ‘With treasured memories of visiting past festivals - with their extraordinary displays of awe-inspiring beauty, ingenuity and quirky imagination - I am honoured to be Patron of the Festival Flowers at Chichester Cathedral 2020".
The Cathedral’s Festival of Flowers is a biennial event organised by Chichester Cathedral Restoration & Development Trust. The Festival attracts 15,000 visitors and has raised over £1million towards the cost of restoration work over the past twenty-two years. Sponsorship for this event will maximise the money raised. The Cathedral Trust is delighted to have the support of Title Sponsor Rathbones Investment Management.
The Festival of Flowers 2020 will be a three day spectacular: as well as the magnificent flower arrangements in the Cathedral and environs, visitors can enjoy a programme of live music, browse the stalls in the Festival Market and partake of the delicious refreshments in Café des Fleurs. Once again the internationally renowned sculptor, Philip Jackson is exhibiting his work. The Festival of Flowers will take place from 28th – 30th May 2020 (Champagne Preview 27th May). Tickets will be on sale from autumn 2019.