BLACKBURN Cathedral is preparing to bloom into flower next week when it hosts one of the biggest flower festivals in the North West.

Flower arranging clubs from across the diocese will converge on the Cathedral which will be cleared of all seating to host the Festival of Flowers and Treasures.

The event, which runs from Thursday June 20 until Sunday June 23, is the third to be held at the Cathedral and promises to be just as good as the last one held in 1990.

Festival organiser Sheila Walker said: "Some of the displays are absolutely breathtaking and we are hoping to attract around 10,000 visitors. We just hope the weather stays fine for us."

The festival is the last big event in the Cathedral's programme to celebrate 1,400 years of Christianity in the borough. And the displays will illustrate the development of the church and industry in the area.

Some of the main themes include Blackburn Flower Club's depiction of how the parish church became a Cathedral.

In all, 24 clubs in the National Association of Flower Arranging Societies will take part.

Mrs Walker added: "These people are very talented and the event will not only interest those who love flower arranging, but also those who enjoy looking at works of skill and beauty in wonderful surroundings. It's certainly not an event to miss."

The Cathedral is open from 10am-9pm, Thursday-Saturday and from 12.30-5pm on Sunday. Entrance fee is £3 with £2 concessions and for further information contact Mrs Walker on 668088.5

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