Spectacular displays of floral art will add a contemporary twist to this weekend’s celebrations to mark the 175th anniversary of Leeds Minster.
A team of 20 volunteers spent two days installing the floral creations for the FloraLeodis display, which will be on show until Monday.
Rector of Leeds Minster, Revd Canon Sam Corley, said: “Traditionally, people have an image of what a flower festival will be like. This is very different. The displays are contemporary and vibrant and reflect the fact that this is a living church.
“We are hoping for a weekend of celebration, of people coming in to the minster for the first time and enjoying what they discover. It is a place with a huge history, but the challenge for us is how to be credible and relevant in a modern, vibrant city.”
Minster warden Trevor Parker, said: “The floral displays are more like works of art to reflect the history of the church. A number of the displays pick out the colours of the stained glass, and they are breathtaking, really stunning.”
The displays were designed by Catherine Gledhill and Judy Watker, of York-based New Dimensions Contemporary Flower Group.
Canon Corley said "People have worshipped at the Leeds Minster site for 1,300 years. Originally people would have met and worshipped in the open air by the river, so this site is the birthplace of the city.
“The building was built on the footprint of the original medieval church and opened in 1841. It was the largest church to have been built since Wren’s St Paul’s Cathedral in London, so it was a massive deal at the time.”
“175 years is an important milestone, but we're also celebrating the retirement of Dr Simon Lindley as master of music. He has given 41 years of distinguished service. The church is known nationally for its musical heritage and Simon has been significant in preserving that legacy. So on Saturday at 4pm we have a service celebrating the anniversary, but also marking his retirement.”
“Simon is also city organist at the town hall and director of the St Peter’s Singers and he will continue those roles. So we will miss him, but are pleased he is still around and wish him well for the future.”
Adapted from the Yorkshire Evening Post