For the fourth year running, the floristry students designed and built a Flower Festival to raise funds for The Church of St. Mary in Cannington and the charity Homestart. They delighted to receive a cheque for £500.

Over 250 visitors attended from across the South West, many of whom belong to the regions flower arranging clubs who came to find inspiration for their own events.

The theme of the Festival was ‘Royal Weddings’ and being held so close to the recent Royal Wedding celebration was very apt. Students reproduced the wedding bouquets of the Royal brides from Queen Victoria to the present day and displayed these within relevant historical settings. They even correctly predicted the style Megan Markle would carry on her wedding day.

The rest of the Church was decorated in the traditional white and green colours often used at Royal weddings, including two large floral arches and billowing pedestal designs. A sprig of myrtle was placed in each bouquet and red poppy displays were positioned near the church alter, in recognition of the tradition started by the Queen Mother of placing the bridal bouquet on the tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Westminster Abbey after the ceremony.

Researching the history of these events provided an excellent learning opportunity for the floristry students and gave the visitors an educational tour of how bridal flowers have changed through the ages.