Four-day flower festival celebrates landmark church's restoration

The free entry flower festival will be open from Friday, April 29 to Monday, May 2, 10am – 5pm each day except Sunday when it runs from 1pm – 5pm.

It will be an opportunity to take a leisurely look around what is arguably the finest medieval building in Bedfordshire, and admire a huge selection of floral displays and arrangements depicting the theme of Saints and Angels.

Organiser and local florist Kerry Sykes explains: “We wanted a theme that reflects the dedication name of our church and which points to one of the most special features of the building, which is the beautiful array of carved and gilded angels and saints which grace the inside of the church roof.

“We hope visitors will feel inspired by the beauty of this very special building and by the flower arrangements.”

The decorative angels and saints roof interior was a gift from the grand-daughter of Geoffrey Chaucer in the 1400s.

Vicar of All Saints, The Rev Canon Grant Fellows, said: “We wanted to celebrate the completion of seven phases of restoration which has breathed life into this ancient building , which has ensured that All Saints will be around for future generations to serve our townspeople.

“The unstinting efforts of the Preservation Trust and generosity of countless supporters and people from Leighton has given the town a very special legacy and the flower festival is a fitting celebration of beautiful creativity.

“We extend a very warm welcome to everyone who would like to visit and admire the beautiful displays created by the teams of talented florists and arrangers.”

There will be opportunities at the festival to make donations towards the future upkeep of the building, including the cleaning and repair of the church organ. All Saints Church Coffee Shop will be open daily during the festival, serving light lunches, homebakes and snacks.

For more information visit http://www.allsaintslb.org.uk or contact the parish office 01525 381418 or [email protected]