With just six weeks to go, excitement is building for this year’s much-anticipated Festival of Flowers at Chichester Cathedral, with strong early ticket sales signalling another exceptional year for this much-loved event.
Taking place from 3 – 6 June, the Festival will transform the 950-year-old Cathedral into a breathtaking floral experience, with stunning installations created by talented designers and community groups alike.
Setting the tone for the days ahead, the exclusive Preview Evening on 2 June will offer visitors a first look at the displays in a special atmosphere, complete with entertainment and refreshments. This special opening event provides a unique opportunity to experience the Cathedral in full bloom before the Festival opens to the public, and is expected to be in high demand once again.
Among the standout installations this year will be the enchanting Secret Garden in the Lady Chapel by professional wedding florist and former Festival Designer Hannah Howell of Whimsy’s Floral Design. Wild, natural and beautifully untamed, the display is inspired by the classic children’s book and will evoke the feeling of discovering a long-forgotten garden hidden behind an old door. The concept beautifully reflects this year’s Festival theme, Nature’s Embrace, created by Lead Designer Caroline Daines of Nordic Twigs.
Innovation and sustainability are also at the heart of the 2026 festival. A striking sustainable dress made entirely of flowers will be unveiled, showcasing environmentally conscious floristry and pushing the boundaries of traditional design.
The Festival will also celebrate collaboration across generations, with young students from Plumpton College working alongside experienced arrangers. This partnership highlights the passing on of skills, creativity, and passion for floristry, bringing fresh perspectives and energy to the displays.
With over 60 installations created by more than 100 volunteer arrangers, visitors can expect an inspiring programme that not only showcases floral artistry at its finest but also brings people together – connecting generations, championing sustainability, and celebrating the beauty of the natural world. With anticipation building and preparations well underway, the Festival continues to be regarded as one of the region’s most distinctive and unmissable cultural experiences.
“There is something truly special about seeing the Cathedral come to life with flowers,” ... "“Each arrangement adds colour, texture and storytelling to the space, transforming it into an immersive celebration of nature, creativity and heritage. It really is an extraordinary weekend that seems to get more magical each year.”
Philippa Lane, Festival of Flowers Coordinator
Alongside the Festival of Flowers, there will be a vibrant market set on the Cathedral Green and in the Cloisters. Open to all, this welcoming space brings together a wonderful mix of stalls offering gifts, plants, homeware, food and more.
This year also marks the launch of Chichester in Bloom, a new city-wide celebration led by Chichester BID. Extending the spirit of the Festival beyond the Cathedral walls, the initiative will feature a curated trail of floral installations across the city, alongside themed menus, cocktails and special events hosted by city centre businesses.
Together, the Festival of Flowers and Chichester in Bloom will create a vibrant, immersive experience throughout the city – reflecting Chichester’s reputation as one of the UK’s most charming and welcoming small cities, and offering even more for visitors to enjoy across the week.
Tickets for the Preview Evening and general admission to the Festival of Flowers are available to purchase at here. Standard online ticket prices are £21 per person and £25 on the door. Preview Evening tickets are £60 per person. As a ticketed event, visitors are encouraged to book in advance to secure their preferred day and experience the Festival at its best.
Organised by the Chichester Cathedral Restoration & Development Trust CIO (charity no. 1156729), the proceeds of the sale of tickets for the Festival of Flowers will help support the ambitions and ongoing needs of the Cathedral, which receives no regular funding from either Government or the Church of England. Over the past fourteen Festivals, the event has raised over £1.4 million to support vital work at the Cathedral.
Event Details
- Chichester Cathedral Festival of Flowers 2026: “Nature’s Embrace”
- Dates: 3 – 6 June 2026 | Preview Evening – 2 June 2026
- Location: Chichester Cathedral, West Sussex
- Book online:Here or call 0333 666 3366