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A Blooming Success: Wimborne Minster Flower Festival Raises Over £10,000

Wimborne Minster was in full bloom during its recent Flower Festival, held from Friday 26th to Monday 29th September.

Over 2,000 visitors came through the doors, and thanks to their generosity, the event raised more than £10,000 towards a proposed ramp and improved steps — a vital step in making the historic church more accessible to all.

The Festival kicked off with a special Preview Evening, opened by the Lord Lieutenant of Dorset, Mr Michael Dooley. A ceremonial ‘cry’ was delivered by Iain Mitchell, Town Crier of West Moors, standing in for Wimborne’s own Chris Brown.

Dorset in Bloom

This year’s theme, “The Delights of Dorset”, was brought to life by Christine Oliver and a talented team of arrangers. Twelve Dorset Flower Clubs each created displays inspired by iconic local landmarks — from Durdle Door and Gold Hill to the Cheese Festival and the Jurassic Coast. The latter stole the show with Demelza, a 16-foot papier-mâché dinosaur, and her baby Dino, delighting visitors young and old.

The Minster’s own flower arrangers joined in, alongside individual contributors, filling every corner of the church with over sixty vibrant tableaux and fragrant arrangements. Carnival Flowers, Wimborne’s local florist, crafted a stunning Dorset Flag display at the West Door and supplied many of the blooms used throughout the weekend.

Christine Oliver expressed heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported the Festival — including Wimborne BID, local businesses, and anonymous donors who helped make it all possible. Light refreshments added to the welcoming atmosphere, giving visitors a chance to linger and soak in the beauty.

What People Said
The guestbook at the exit brimmed with praise:
“A mini-Chelsea Flower Show — beautiful!”
“Absolutely stunning displays — very talented people.”

A Month of Celebration
The Flower Festival was the grand finale of a month-long programme marking the 1300th anniversary of the death of St. Cuthburga, the Minster’s patron saint. Events included the Patronal Festival on 31st August, a visit from the Bishop of Salisbury (The Right Revd Stephen Lake), three Cuthburga Lectures, concerts, and a closing visit from the Bishop of Sherborne (The Right Revd Karen Gorham) on the Sunday of the Festival.

Wimborne Minster has once again shown how deeply rooted community, creativity, and heritage are in our town. Here’s to many more blooming successes!