One of the South’s most loved cultural traditions will celebrate a major milestone this summer, as the Festival of Flowers at Chichester Cathedral marks its 30th anniversary.
Returning from 3 – 6 June 2026, the biennial Festival will once again transform the Cathedral with more than 60 breath-taking installations, conceived by leading Sussex floral artist and Festival Designer, Caroline Daines. Each of the spectacular designs will be brought to life by hundreds of talented florists.
Since its launch in 1996, the Festival of Flowers has become a treasured event - one which is woven into the cultural life of Chichester and Sussex. Over the years the incredible displays have drawn tens of thousands of visitors, raising more than £1.4 million towards the care of the 950-year-old Cathedral.
Nature’s Embrace: the 2026 theme
Over the past three decades, each Festival has reflected a moment in time, responding to faith, art, music, literature, landscape and wellbeing. Themes have ranged from Darkness into Light (1996) and Celebration and Remembrance (2008), to more recent explorations of renewal, creation and the natural world.
Fiona Barttelot, who was instrumental in establishing Chichester’s Festival of Flowers and was Festival Designer for the inaugural event in 1996 comments: “I had the idea for the Festival of Flowers following a conversation with The Very Reverend John Treadgold (former Dean of Chichester), who was a supporter of the St John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital Group. The theme for the first event was Darkness into Light, which was a tribute to the amazing transformations experienced by patients at the hospital. The festival is a huge event to organise and I’m so pleased it has continued with new designers and ideas each time.”
To honour this 30th anniversary year, designs will be shaped by Nature’s Embrace, a theme created by Caroline Daines, founder of Nordic Twigs. Her vision explores the deep relationship between the natural world and human wellbeing with design concepts that include woodland walks, forest bathing, wintering and whispers of the wind, amongst others. The arrangements will also respond to the Cathedral’s soaring spaces, historic chapels and artistic heritage.
“Being involved in the 30th anniversary of the Festival of Flowers feels incredibly special, and I feel very privileged to be part of such a historic event,” comments Caroline. “My ideas are influenced by my background in the wedding and events industry, alongside a love of nature, architecture, art and beautiful spaces. Bringing all these interests together and designing floral installations for such a stunning and historic landmark has been nothing but inspiring.”
Created by many, enjoyed by thousands
More than 100 volunteer arrangers from across Sussex will interpret the theme, working with over 50,000 blooms to create displays throughout the Cathedral.
From volunteers, local charities and floristry clubs to professional designers and artists, those involved span generations. This year will see students from Plumpton and Farnborough Colleges play a key role, creating dramatic displays within the Cathedral’s Nave and Cloisters. Their work is supported by sponsors committed to nurturing the next generation of talent.
For the arrangers, the Festival is a true labour of love - shaped by months of planning, preparation and creative collaboration. Many return year after year, drawn by the unique collective spirit and sense of community the Festival creates.
Alongside the spectacular large-scale floral installations, visitors can explore the popular Festival Market and Plant Market and enjoy food and drink from Cloisters Kitchen & Garden - making the Festival a celebration for all the senses.
Tickets
Chichester Cathedral’s Festival of Flowers runs from 3 - 6 June 2026, with a Preview Evening on 2 June. A limited number of Preview Evening tickets will be released on 14 February 2026.