Hayfield Flower Festival 2024

A small crowd met outside St John's Methodist Church in Hayfield, Derbyshire at 3pm on Sunday for the opening of this years flower festival. Led by the Rev Keith Sandow a short service was held beside the adjoining well dressing. Welcome light refreshments were served inside afterwards amidst the fresh blooms of flowers.

The beautiful and historic, Grade 2 listed, chapel provided an impressive and appropriate setting for the magnificent display on this year's theme of “Customs and Folklore”. It seems that everyone has a favourite custom which they observe. Some depicting local occasions, such as the Hayfield May queen festival and the Castleton garland ceremony, were represented this year

Each exhibit was skilfully constructed with remarkable imagination in the difficult medium of floral blooms. Overall they formed an impressive display for which the devoted but untrained volunteers can be justifiably proud.

They certainly impress visitors too. As well as local people some come from far and wide to view the floral interpretations during the week. There is no entrance fee

The refreshments, mostly home made by church members and friends, also impress.

The festival continues throughout the week and opening each day from 10.30 am until 4.00pm, but closing on Sunday 7th July at 6 pm with a Songs of Praise service