Historic village on the River Stour is getting ready to put on a show of floral artistry

Work is well under way in Stour Provost to prepare for the flower festival on Saturday and Sunday, June 17 and 18, open from 10.30am to 5pm.

This hidden gem of a village, with links to William the Conqueror and outwardly little-changed since medieval times, is looking forward to welcoming visitors to a full weekend of glorious flower displays, all-day music and an art exhibition, together with coffee, cakes and cream teas.

The festival – part of this year’s ambitious fundraising for the Grade I listed St Michael and All Angels Church as well as the village hall – presents a celebration of flowers in the church together with a varied programme of live music, ranging from a capella songs, folk music and a ukulele band, to organ pieces, saxophone duets and more. Visitors can enjoy the music while they explore the floral decorations and historical features of the 14th century building. Can you spot the scratch dial used to mark prayer times? And the outline of the old ‘Devil’s Door’ through which evil spirits escaped?

Before you leave, perhaps catch a painting demonstration by a botanical artist, then head to the village hall for home-made cakes and a chance to view the art exhibition, with works for sale by local amateur and professional artists, focussing on flowers, trees and natural landscapes. Other events include flower-arranging demonstrations, and a wildflower walk with a local botanist.

The quiet village is tucked away just south of the A30 at East Stour, beside the River Stour, often a surprise even to locals. This will be the perfect opportunity to take a short walk around the village, which remained virtually untouched from the 15th century until 1925. Highlights include a micro museum and the little thatched cottage that once housed local orphans, to the picturesque site of a riverside mill listed in Domesday Book, with its weir and open views across pastureland.

The organisers hope this event, and its setting, will attract a large audience over the weekend of Saturday June 17 and Sunday June 18, 10.30 to 5pm, entry £5, children under 12 free.

For more details contact Jo 01747 838216 or Su 01747 838724.