ONE of the finest flower festivals in the country is celebrating its golden anniversary this year.
As part of the festivities organisers are calling on anyone celebrating a 50th anniversary to step forward and get involved by sponsoring a flower arrangement.
The Wisbech Rose Fair had humble beginnings as a small event selling rose buds to raise money for church funds.
Now it has grown into a massive floral celebration attracting hundreds of visitors from across the UK.
The event won ‘Anglia in Bloom’ Gold Awards from 2008 to 2012 and was judged best large town in the Anglia region for the last two years.
During Rose Fair the whole town takes on a festive atmosphere celebrating its horticultural heritage.
The jewel in the crown is the church of St Peter & St Paul which becomes a floral masterpiece during the event.
This year’s theme is Floral Pageant which will bring together traditional flowers and exotic blooms for an array of stunning arrangements.
There will also be displays in three other town centre churches, each with its own particular theme and character.
Rose Fair began in 1963 when local rose growers sold rose buds in the gardens of St Peter and St Paul to raise funds for the restoration of the Norman church.
Rose growing is still a speciality of this area and the flower festival continues to raise money to maintain the fabric of the church.
The Rose Fair takes place from July 3 to 6 and will include stalls, food and a set meal offer at the Cafe Rose.
For details go to www.wisbech-rosefair.co.uk.
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