Church News

Flower Festival Celebrates the 'Arts'

Opening the Flower Festival at St Mary's Church on August 1st, Brixham Town Council Chairman Vic Ellery said, “The whole church reflects the dedication, passion and creativity of the talented flower arrangers”, before he was taken on a guided tour of the myriad of outstanding floral compositions.

This year the theme chosen for the Festival is ‘Richness in Art' a broad title encompassing the creativity found in the world of art, music and literature.

The Rev Anne Burden commented in the introduction to the Festival Programme that ‘our talented flower arrangers have found inspiration within this theme for interpreting work ranging from Vivaldi (The Four seasons), to Thomas Hardy, from Grinling Gibbons to Picasso, Mondrian and many more.'  

The whole church has been transformed by fixing displays into different areas, including the window sills, where the focus is on the work of painters.                 

The rich shades of red in Leonardo Da Vinci's the Last Supper are depicted in exotic blooms, whilst another explores the expressive colours of Pablo Picasso, and a third in contrast looks at the more ‘drab colours of TS Lowry's landscapes with his matchstick men'.

Other art forms such as the pottery of Josiah Wedgewood have also generated a response in colour, whilst the interwoven leaves and flowers of the pulpit display reflect the work of Spinners and Weavers.

Arrangements have been created by individual volunteers,under the team leadership of Jill Harris, with materials sponsored by members of the community in remembrance of loved ones.

In the service prior to the opening of the Festival thanks was given for ‘the glory of God's creation shown in nature and in the best of human achievements.'

The festival runs for the rest of the week 10.00am to 7pm with events from 7.30pm each night including a Quiz- Thursday, The Band of the Merchant Navy and the River Singers -Friday, a Fish and Chip Supper- Saturday and Festival Evensong 6.30pm- Sunday with the Arch Deacon of Totnes.

Throughout the Festival refreshments and light lunches will be available in the church.