Lincoln Cathedral has announced new dates for its much anticipated Vision Flower Festival.
Originally due to take place this July, the event has had to be postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. It will now take place from Thursday 29 July to Monday 2 August 2021.
All events at the Cathedral have been cancelled until the end of May, and although the flower festival fell after this date, moving it to next year will ensure that the organisation and delivery of the festival can be carried out safely and also that the many thousands of anticipated visitors from across the UK can enjoy spending time at the event.
The content of the flower festival will remain the same, with visitors able to enjoy more than 130 spectacular arrangements in the stunning setting of Lincoln Cathedral. The theme for the flower festival is ‘Vision’ and the displays will celebrate the life of St Hugh, Bishop of Lincoln from 1200 to 1220 who was responsible for the rebuilding of Lincoln Cathedral following an earthquake in 1185. The Cathedral has been celebrating the 800th anniversary of his canonisation this year, and is pleased to be able to continue to share his story into 2021.
Other notable Lincolnshire visionaries who have made a significant impact on the county and beyond will also feature in the stunning floral creations, with displays covering the arts, film, fashion, history, world exploration and more; there will be something for everyone, from the Pilgrim Fathers journey to the New World, to the moon landing and even Harry Potter.
The Very Revd Christine Wilson, Dean of Lincoln said that she hoped the announcement of a new date would give people something to look forward to during the current restrictions. “We know many people were very much looking forward to coming to the flower festival this summer, but for the safety and wellbeing of all, we had to make the difficult decision to postpone this event. However, work is still carrying on and we will ensure that the 2021 festival is an outstanding occasion.
“After this period of enforced stillness at the Cathedral it will be wonderful to see the building so full of life and joy once again. The combination of our magnificent Cathedral, thousands of stunning flowers and the skill, creativity and passion of the arrangers really will bring to life the beauty of God’s creation in a vivid and vibrant way for everyone to enjoy.”
As well as the flower arrangements, the festival will include plants, crafts and food stalls in and around the Cathedral for visitors to enjoy.
A special preview evening will take place on Wednesday 28 July, where visitors can enjoy drinks and canapés whilst getting the exclusive opportunity to see the beautiful blooms on display before the event open to the public.
Visitors are also invited to a ‘Musical Meander’ on Friday 31 July which will include a musical concert and tour around the Cathedral for guests to take in the colourful arrangements and learn about the themes behind them.
Anyone who has already purchased tickets to the Flower Festival or Preview Evening will be offered the opportunity to move their tickets to the new dates, or receive a refund. Existing ticket holders will receive an email in the coming days with more details.
Tickets to the festival are available to purchase from the Cathedral website – entry is £12.50 for adults and £10 for concessions (under 16s free). There is also a festival pass allowing visitors to return to the Flower Festival on each day of the event, which costs £40.
Tickets to the preview evening on Wednesday 28 July will be £25 which includes drinks and canapés, and entry to the Musical Meander on Friday 30 July will be £30.
