The Stafford Knot in flowers at the Meerbrook Flower Festival 2017
Another resounding success for the annual Meerbrook Flower Festival held at St Matthew’s church.
Our Green and Pleasant Land
This year’s theme was Our Green and Pleasant Land – from the last line of William Blake’s epic poem Milton. We perhaps best know this through the hymn Jerusalem.
After the Blessing of the Festival on 13th July, the church threw open it’s doors from 11am – 7pm each day.
A taste of things to come greeted each visitor at the church gate and porch but what a sight when entering the building! The pethora of colours, smells, shapes and the sheer number of displays were, at first, quite overwhelming.
One of the many displays at the Meerbrook Flower Festival 2017
A Tour of the Counties
Our Green and Pleasant Land was beautifully illustrated through thematic representations of our major counties. Tableaux were created around the church and included: Stafforshire (of course!), Cheshire, Derbyshire, Hereford, Kent and Cornwall. And not forgetting the Staffordshire Moorlands display at the Children’s Altar.
The Staffordshire display at Meerbrook Flower Festival 2017
Each display demanded our close attention as subtle references to each county’s characters abounded. A credit to each artists’ vision.
The Derbyshire display at Meerbrook Flower Festival 2017
And There’s More!
There were also many posies, sprays and arrangements to enjoy – a treat for any budding flower arranger or, indeed, the experienced looking for added inspiration.
The Cheshire display at Meerbrook Flower Festival 2017
For those needing a break from the intensity, refreshments were served in the Village Hall daily.
The Festival closed with a concert by the Biddulph Male Voice Choir on the evening of 18th July.
Heartfelt Thanks
A huge THANK YOU must be given to all the artists who no doubt spent hours planning and executing their individual visions – and keeping them in tip top shape for the duration of the Festival.
Also, to the small army of volunteers who also gave their time to organise, setup and welcome public and parishioners alike – often guilding them around the church to discover little details that may have missed.
The organisers would also like to thank John Titley & Sons Ltd – wholesale florist – for their support.
Well done Meerbrook for again putting on another stunning Flower Festival!
