A LOCAL Church of Ireland parish is to host its first ever flower festival.
St Mary’s Parish at Kilmood, between Ballygowan and Killinchy, is hosting the festival from Friday, June 8 until Sunday, June 10. The church will be open from 10am to 9pm Friday and Saturday, and from 11am until 8pm on Sunday.
Visitors can enjoy a host of flower arrangements, music, crafts on sale, soda bread demonstrations and a coffee shop for light refreshments.
The Festival was the idea of their late rector Rev. Allen Delamere who passed away at Christmas as Festival organiser Alison Nelson explained, had a great community spirit.
“He was the inspiration behind the festival and now we are running it in his memory. So we’re looking forward to giving a very warm welcome to anyone interested in visiting us over the weekend,” she said.
“There will be gorgeous flowers arranged by Heather White and music provided by our organists, singers and folk musicians. We’re delighted to have Lady Christine Eames opening the Flower Festival at a service on Friday 10am when Ballykeigle Primary School will be leading the singing.
“Our Festival closes on Sunday June 10 with a service at 7pm featuring Killinchy Silver Band,” she added.
There is no entrance charge, donations are welcome and all proceeds go to the Parish of Killinchy Union. For details about the festival and directions check www.kilmoodflowerfestival.blogspot.com or contact Alison Nelson 07875 444846.