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Minster Flower Festival: 22-25 August 2008

1108–2008

2008 marks the 900th anniversary of the Norman decision to rebuild Southwell Minster, Nottinghamshire. This Cathedral and Parish Church developed over the centuries and has been painted by Girtin and Turner and enthused about by Betjeman and Pevsner. Our late 13th-century Chapter House is a wonderful confection in stone, internation­ally famous for the free carving of the decorative leaves (above). The leaves tie in thematically with our principal anniversary event, the Flower Festival. The building promises to glow with colour, and special catering facilities will be in place. All in all, it will be a wonderful week­end to visit the Minster and the exquisite Georgian town of Southwell. Do put the date in your diary!

John Guille  Dean of Southwell

If you are unable to attend the Flower Festival, but would like to help Southwell Minster in this anniversary year, please consider a donation to: Southwell Cathedral Chapter (charity: X12647) noting whether we may claim Gift Aid upon it. Please contact me if you require further information. Thank you very much for your kindness.

Charles Leggatt, Director of Fundraising,
Chapter and Finance Office, Bishop’s Drive
Southwell, NG25 0JP
01636 817286   e-mail:
Booking forms can now be downloaded from North Midlands Flower Arranging Society

Entrance to Flower festival: £8.00, children free entrance if accompanied by an adult.
Friday and Saturday Flower Demonstrations:
Morning 10.30am – 12.30pm (includes lunch, coffee & entrance to festival £20.00.
Afternoon 2.00pm – 4.30pm (includes entrance to festival and afternoon tea) £17.50.
Saturday: Illustrated lecture £10.00 (includes glass of wine).

Flower Festival
'Celebration' 22–25 August

  • See below for prices
  • Opening times:
    Friday 22 & Saturday 23

    10.00 – 7.30 pm
  • Sunday 24
    12 noon – 7.30 pm
    10.30 am · Sung Eucharist
    5.45 pm · Choral Evensong
    sung by The Bishop's Consort
  • Monday 25
    12 noon – 4.30 pm
    (close of Festival)

Festival Events

  • Exhibition of botanical paintings in the Chapter House during the Festival
  • Friday 22 & Saturday 23
    Demonstrations morning & afternoon in the Great Hall
  • Saturday 23 · 6.30 pm in the
    Great Hall
    Illustrated talk, Flowers of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Art, by Dr Paul Taylor of the Warburg Institute
  • Monday 25 (bank holiday)
    Children’s activities
  • 3.30 pm
    Organ recital
    by Paul Hale
  • August 22 to 25
  • Children’s Art Competition
  • For further information about Festival events contact the Minster Office
    tel: 01636 817281/812649
    e-mail: Booking forms can now be downloaded from North Midlands Flower Arranging Society