Chichester Festival of Flowers celebrity patron named

Tim Wannacott from Bargain Hunt has been named as the patron

‘The Artist’s Palette’ will be the theme for next year’s hugely popular event, while television presenter Tim Wonnacott has been announced as the festival patron.

Local man Tim, who appears on TV programmes Bargain Hunt and the Antiques Roadshow, is currently at the Cathedral for a celebratory champagne afternoon tea, also attended by flower arrangers and VIPs from across the county.

Chichester Cathedral is particularly famous for its historic, and modern, artworks and over 240 flower arrangers across Sussex have been anticipating the announcement, which will inspire over 80 floral arrangements.

The Festival of Flowers attracts around 15,000 people

The theme will reflect artists represented in the Cathedral, local Sussex artists and other well-known artists.

Tim said: “Having lived and worked in Sussex for many years, Chichester Cathedral is a very special place to me and my family.

“I am very excited about the theme for the Festival of Flowers and look forward with interest to seeing the designs.”

Chichester Cathedral’s Festival of Flowers is a biennial event organised by Chichester Cathedral Restoration and Development Trust.

This is the highest revenue-earning event in the Trust’s portfolio, raising vital funds for the restoration of Chichester’s 900-year-old Cathedral.

The Festival attracts 15,000 visitors and has raised approximately £1m towards the cost of restoration work at Chichester Cathedral over the past 20 years.

The Festival of Flowers 2016 will be a three day spectacular taking place from June 1 to 4, 2016.

Tickets will go on sale in autumn 2015.