Preparations begin for town’s flower festival
Last updated 11:37, Tuesday, 13 May 2008
FLOWER Power is helping Penrith transform into a Garden of Eden ahead of the town’s annual flower festival later this month.
The festival, which is blossoming since its introduction last year, was launched by kids, sponsors and charity representatives yesterday.
Eight nurseries have already booked plant stalls including specialists for hanging baskets, herbs, rhododendrons and bonsai.
Local charities including Eden Mencap and the British Red Cross Penrith/Eden branch are organising plant stalls at the event on May 31.
The event aims to attract people who love gardening, flower arranging, floral art and crafts.
Julie Prior, event organiser, said: “The launch gave us all a chance to gather together, check final arrangements, thank sponsors and toast the event’s success.
“The only thing we really need to organise now is fine weather but considering recently we have had hail and thunder one day then sunshine and heat the next I hope people will prepare and attend whatever the weather.”
This year’s festival has a “flowers and fairies” theme and the very tall fairy stilt walkers will be attending – sprinkling magic fairy dust.
To mark the occasion, some of the shops in Penrith will feature themed window displays and works of art.
Julie said: “Shopkeepers and businesses are keen to have their windows used for displays so local artists can simply arrange this with proprietors.”
Penrith Art Club is organising an exhibition in the window of the Skipton Building Society. Primary schools in the Eden area have been invited to create works of art for exhibition in the Devonshire Arcade and St Andrew ’s Church.
As a special memento of the day local artist, Robbie Hudson, of Langwathby, will be on hand to create cartoon portraits of people.
Margaret Washington OBE, vice president of the British Red Cross, will open the event at 10am on May 31.
Musicians and a jazz band will also perform as well as Penrith Players at 12.30pm, who will perform songs from High Society, which opens at the Playhouse on June 2.
Julie added: “The Flower Festival will be a real community event and something all the family can enjoy. I’m grateful to all the people who are working so hard to make the event bigger and brighter than last year. I hope it will add a bit of vitality to the town and raise money for so many worthwhile causes”.
PMcClounie@cngroup.co.uk
