Flower Festival and Traditional English Tea

After a three-year absence because of Covid, the annual Flower Festival and English Tea is back with this year’s theme of GIVE THANKS.

Church of the Nativity presents this free event as our gift to the community. Following the centuries-old English tradition of “dressing” the church, we have filled our sanctuary with dozens of special flower arrangements, all crafted by the members of the church and friends, each depicting an aspect of the Festival’s theme. T

hey depict — in floral form — what we are grateful for. Arrangements include tributes to nurses, families, armed forces, and much more. These beautiful and fragrant creations delight visitors with their creativity and bring glory to God in a unique way.

Saturday at noon, enjoy beautiful music among the flowers. Church of the Nativity is proud to present our Grand Musicale. Performing in concert is the Flower Festival Chorus and special guest performers.

FREE ADMISSION for viewing the floral arrangements and listening to the music, though donations are gratefully accepted.

Before or after viewing the flowers, enjoy an English Tea with scones, assorted tea sandwiches, and sweets in the Parish Hall. No reservations are needed. Tea is served from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm on Friday and Saturday.

We hope you will join us for our 17th Flower Festival and English Tea. Enjoy the sights, sounds, and tastes.
Come SEE the flowers (free). Viewings Friday and Saturday, 9:30 am to 3:00 pm
Come HEAR the music (free). Saturday, February 25, from 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm.
Come SAVOR a traditional English Tea — $25 per person. Friday and Saturday, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. No reservations, just come!

WHAT IS A FLOWER FESTIVAL?

For centuries, English churches have held summer flower festivals. These events attract visitors to enjoy the colors, the fragrances, and the fellowship.

One of the most famous is held on Ascension Day in the Derbyshire village of Tissington. The custom dates back to 1350, the year of the Black Death. The villagers of Tissington survived because their water did not become contaminated. To show their gratitude, they made garlands of flowers. In 1615, there was a severe drought and many wells dried up, but not those in Tissington, and again the people were thankful. On Ascension Day, the villagers assembled in church for service before processing to bless each of the five wells and dress them with flowers. Such “well dressings” are the work of a skilled team of people.

Here at Nativity, we dress our church altar each Sunday with lovely flowers. This year, after a three-year absence because of Covid, we are delighted to take these same skills to dress the entire church for a weekend of flowers and music. This is our gift to the community as we give thanks to God.

Category: Community | Gardening / Horticultural