A British-grown flower celebration will fill a historic Gothic property with seasonal displays this September.
The annual event at Strawberry Hill House, the 18th-century villa created by Horace Walpole, has been extended to span four consecutive days for the first time in its history.
Funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund has enabled the expansion of the festival, which opens to visitors on September 10 and continues through September 13.
Across the landmark house and its surrounding grounds, more than 30 floral designers will present immersive floral installations.
The creations will prominently feature domestically cultivated blooms alongside environmentally conscious design approaches.
The programming brings together established and emerging talent from across the British floristry community.
The event is overseen by Flowers at the House, whose leadership team comprises Leigh Chappell, Lilian Highmoor and Charlotte Johnston.
This year’s edition welcomes guest curators Flowers on the Edge, a collective established by Cissy Bullock and Olivia Wilson, who contribute their contemporary aesthetic to the festival’s overall vision.
Their involvement marks a new chapter in the event’s development.
Designers participating in the festival have been invited to work within the conceptual framework of Gloomth/Riant, a duality drawn from Walpole’s own writings about the atmospheric contrast between the solemnity of ecclesiastical architecture and the vibrancy of natural landscapes.
The theme encourages contributors to explore the interplay between shadow and light, formality and organic beauty.
Among the confirmed participants, each has been assigned a specific location within the property.
Joanna Game takes residence in the Blue Bedchamber, while Layla Robinson occupies the Library space.
Fiona Pickles presents work in the Tribune, Pearl Watt of Millefleur designs for the main stairway, and Bex Partridge of Botanical Tales transforms the Green Closet.
A programme of complimentary presentations and live demonstrations runs daily within the Festival Marquee, offering visitors insights into floral artistry and technique.
Among the scheduled highlights, Joanna Game presents a piece titled From Dartmoor to Yunnan, drawing connections between British and Chinese landscapes.
The lineup also features appearances by writer and broadcaster Arthur Parkinson, alongside a demonstration showcasing the traditions of Sogetsu Ikebana.
A newly established Retail Village provides opportunities to purchase flowers and handmade items directly from growers and craftspeople.
Those planning to spend time outdoors can arrange picnic provisions in advance for consumption within the grounds.
Limited evening openings are available on September 11 and September 12, providing after-hours opportunities to experience the installations in different lighting conditions.
Advance ticket purchase through the Strawberry Hill House website is strongly advised due to anticipated demand.