A Floral Showcase at Salisbury Guildhall will help to mark the city's 800th anniversary. Picture: Salisbury City Council

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Help create spectacular Floral Showcase for Salisbury’s 800th anniversary

Jamie JonesSeptember 11, 20260 Comment0

RESIDENTS are being encouraged to help Salisbury shine during a blooming spectacular event to mark the city’s 800th anniversary.

Households, community groups and organisations are being invited to help transform Salisbury Guildhall with spectacular floral displays, as part of a Floral Showcase to mark eight centuries of city status.

The showcase will take place from July 23 to 26 at The Guildhall, with Salisbury City Council working alongside floral experts Michael Bowyer MBE and Debbie Wadge on the project.

Michael, a Salisbury resident and internationally renowned floral artist, has designed major flower festivals at Salisbury Cathedral, Winchester Cathedral, Canterbury Cathedral and beyond, and was honoured for services to flower arranging and charity.

Debbie, a Salisbury-based floral designer and National Judge, has won RHS Gold medals at Chelsea and Malvern and has contributed to festivals at Salisbury Cathedral, Winchester Cathedral and Kensington Palace.

They want the people of Salisbury to get involved, through flower arranging, stewarding, sponsorship or contributing to another craft project to be displayed at the show.

Floral Showcase – how to take part

Taking part as an arranger is free, with materials provided, and no previous floral arranging experience is required.

Anyone wishing to arrange will be needed in the weeks before with dates to be confirmed.

“Participants will be guided by the expert team, making this a welcoming opportunity for beginners as well as experienced arrangers,” a spokesperson said.

“Both individuals and groups are welcome to apply, and the showcase will be free for the public to visit.”

Anyone wanting to take part can express their interest by completing a form on Salisbury City Council’s Salisbury 800 web page, with paper copies of the form also available to collect from Salisbury Information Centre.

Cllr Jenny Bolwell, Mayor of Salisbury, said: “Whether you are an experienced flower arranger, keen to try something new, able to volunteer your time or interested in supporting the showcase in another way, we would love to hear from you.

“Together, we can create a memorable celebration that brings colour, creativity and community spirit to the heart of the city.”

The floral display will be part of a host of events marking the 800th anniversary of Salisbury receiving its Royal Charter.

Salisbury City Council said it aims to “bring together creativity, heritage and community spirit through a programme of events celebrating the city’s past, present and future”.