More than 50 flower arrangers are combining their talents to produce over 30 spectacular floral displays at the Ripon Cathedral Revealed Festival which runs from Friday April 29 to Monday May 2.
Members of both the Ripon Cathedral Flower Guild and Ripon Flower Club are being joined by flower arrangers from the Diocese and Friends to depict the workings and fabric of the Cathedral, the diocese and the wider community. “We are all very excited about it. It is a wonderful opportunity to express ourselves . We have been told to create bold and magnificent displays and that is what we intend to do,” said Sue Woods, the Guild’s Coordinator.
Sue is working closely with Barbara Hill from the Flower Guild to plan the event.
“There will be a large Welcome to Yorkshire display in front of the Choir Screen, another large, contemporary display in the south aisle celebrating Yorkshire industry using red, white and blue flowers, and a display described as the worshipping community and the parochial church council which will feature willow figures in front of the altar,” added Sue.
Six columns in the Nave will be used to represent the different parts of the new Diocese of West Yorkshire and the Dales in a display sponsored by the Bishop of Leeds, The Right Revd Nick Baines. The theme for Leeds will be stained glass; for Halifax , the church; for Ripon both Cross Keys and the Ripon Jewel; for Wakefield a Celtic Cross and for Bradford Cross Keys on a Shield.
The strong choral tradition of the cathedral will be celebrated in four displays sponsored by the Music Custodians.
Other sponsors include CNG of Harrogate, the Big Lunch, Patrons of Ripon Cathedral, The Friends of Ripon Cathedral, the Parochial Church Council, St. Wilfrid’s Lodge and Colin and Nina Harrison who are sponsoring the Ripon Jewel display.
There are other opportunities to sponsor named displays from £250 or become a Festival Friend for £100 and get free tickets to the Jazz Preview Evening. For more information, contact Molly Barrs (01765 603583).
Other highlights of the festival include musical recitals, concerts, a Festival Songs of Praise, displays of Yorkshire roses handcrafted by members of the public, a video about the life of the cathedral, a food festival, a beer festival, a pop-up café, children’s activities and much more . Tickets are on sale at www.riponcathedral.info/revealed/ and at the cathedral office. They cost £8 for Friday Saturday & Monday and £5 for Sunday of the festival (there is no charge for children). Tickets for the Jazz Preview Evening on Thursday 28 April are £15.