During the day buskers are entertaining the crowds outside, while there is an extensive music programme in the cathedral.

After admiring the magnificent arrangements, visitors have the chance to buy some of their own beautiful blooms at a plant sale in
the cathedral grounds and see an exhibition of work by sculptor Philip Jackson.

The biennial event is organised by the Chichester Cathedral Restoration and Development Trust to help raise money for its ongoing repair
projects and this year hopes to raise at least £118,000.

Trust director Alison Godfrey said: "This is a wonderful event for the
city. It really is something quite extraordinary and is a must-see for anyone who loves flowers, flower arranging and gardening or who would just love something unique to visit during the bank holiday week.

"We are expecting visitors from Devon, Scotland, Lincoln and Staffford and we welcome everyone, from far or near, to come to see us."

FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS

This year's annual Festival of Flowers at Chichester Cathedral proovides a dazzling display of colour and creativity.

Hundreds of volunteers have devoted hours to their arrangements and among them is Hilary Tupper, who has been volunteering her talents as a flower arranger for the past three festivals and this year took on the role of festival designer.

"The volunteers do the most incredible job, and they put in hours and hours of work," said Hilary.

"It is the most incredible honour to be asked to be the designer for such a prestigious event.

"It was quite easy for me to pick the theme – we have two major celebrations going on this year, the 900th anniversary of the cathedral and also the 50th anniversary of the death of Bishop George Bell who was a very remarkable figure in the cathedral's history.

"The arrangements tell the story of the history of the cathedral and its links with the city of Chichester and the life of Bishop Bell, who was a most incredible man."

The eyecatching display is all down to the hardworking volunteers, who had two-and-a-half days to complete their arrangements
once the flowers arrived at the cathedral on Sunday evening.

Most of the flowers are fresh, although there will be two dried flower arrangements in the display this year.

Many types are used throughout the cathedral, although lilies and roses are always popular with arrangers.

Once all the hard work is done, and the buckets of water and stepladders have been removed, all the volunteers get the chance to savour the sight.

"It is quite a unique and special event, and you get people from all over the country coming to see the arrangements," Hilary said.

And once the festival is over, the flowers used in the arrangements are sold to the public during a special sale at the cathedral doors, which takes place on Tuesday.

BISHOP GEORGE BELL
As well as celebrating the cathedral's 900th anniversary, this year's festival is also dedicated to the memory of one of Chichester's most famous bishops, George Bell.

Born in 1883, George Bell was bishop of Chichester from 1929 until 1958 and was a well-known patron of the arts as well as being a pastor, poet and champion of the oppressed.

He helped establish the World Council of Churches to help encourage peace and was instrumental in creating the welfare state.

While bishop he encouraged many artists to use their talents for the church and inspired poet TS Eliot. During the war he campaigned for human standards in war.

A special hosta plant named Bishop George Bell has been grown. It was launched at the Chelsea Flower Show last year and some will be on sale at the Festival of Flowers.

FACTS AND FIGURES
The festival uses around 37,000 stems, and is one of the biggest cut flower orders placed in the country.

More than 20 trees will also be used in the arrangements.

This year there are 67 flower arrangements in the cathedral

The arrangements will be using 90 different types of flowers

A small army of 250 volunteers help do the flower arrangements, having started on Monday morning.

Over the three days, 15,000 visitors are expected

Lots of refreshments are made and visitors consume 3,000 slices of cake and 6,000 sandwiches.

Actress Patricia Routledge is the festival patron.

VISITOR INFORMATION

The Festival of Flowers is open from Thursday, May 29 until
Saturday, May 31.

The cathedral will be open to visitors from 10am
each day.

Tickets cost £7.50 (£5.50 for senior citizens, full-time students and groups of over 20) and are available from the Cathedral Bell Tower between 10am and 4pm weekdays, on 01243 812480.




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