A 'DRAMATIC visual spectacle' awaits visitors to Fewston Church next month.

A Festival of Flowers will be held at the Church of St Michael and St Lawrence on Saturday, August 4 and Sunday, August 5.

The event has been organised to tie in with the current weddings-themed exhibition and programme of events being held at the adjacent Washburn Heritage Centre.

It will see the church filled with contemporary floral displays produced by Judy Watker*, a National Association of Flower Arrangement Society demonstrator, and her team - the Tuesday Girls.

Washburn Heritage Centre Administrator Harriet Kendal-Greene said: "The display promises to be a dramatic visual spectacle featuring white flowers, birch and willow, inspired by the church and its stunning setting.

"This attractive church, with its striking stained glass, will provide a perfect setting for the festival.

"Through the use of sculptural displays each element of the building will be decorated to evoke the feelings of joy and excitement that are part of the wedding ceremony.

"The Tuesday Girls want to encourage visitors to see flowers as an art form and to experience a floral display in a totally new way."

The event has been sponsored by businesses including Yorkshire Water, Richard Houldsworth and Sons; VIDAR Media Ltd, Leo Dawson and Co and Pearce Bottomley Architects.

It is also being supported by members of the public who were married at the church.

The festival will be open from 11am to 4.30pm on both days when a programme, priced £3, will be available and the heritage centre tea room will be serving refreshments.

The church will also be hosting an organ recital by Dr Simon Lindley on the evening of August 4 - for tickets or more details send an e-mail to centre@washburnvalley.org or call (01943) 880794.

*Judy Watker and her team have created floral designs for Castle Howard, Leeds Minster, Holy Trinity Priory, York and, most recently, Bloom! York 2018.