Help create spectacular Floral Showcase for Salisbury’s 800th anniversary

Salisbury residents, community groups and local organisations are being invited to help transform Salisbury Guildhall with spectacular floral displays, as part of a Floral Showcase to celebrate the city’s 800th anniversary.

The Floral Showcase will take place from 23 to 26 July 2027 inside The Guildhall, a first for this type of event in its magnificent setting.

Salisbury City Council, working alongside floral experts Michael Bowyer MBE and Debbie Wadge, is inviting individuals and groups to express their interest in getting involved in the project.

Michael Bowyer MBE, Salisbury resident and internationally renowned floral artist, has designed major flower festivals at Salisbury Cathedral, Winchester Cathedral, Canterbury Cathedral and beyond, and was honoured for services to flower arranging and charity. Debbie Wadge, a Salisbury-based award-winning floral designer and National Judge, has won RHS Gold medals at Chelsea and Malvern and has contributed to festivals at Salisbury Cathedral, Winchester Cathedral and Kensington Palace.

There are opportunities to get involved in a range of ways, including flower arranging, stewarding, sponsorship or contributing to another craft project to be displayed at the show.

There is no cost to take part as an arranger, as materials will be provided, and no previous floral arranging experience is required. Those wishing to arrange will be needed in the weeks before with dates to be confirmed. Participants will be guided by the expert team, making this a welcoming opportunity for beginners as well as experienced arrangers. Both individuals and groups are welcome to apply, and the showcase will be free for the public to visit.

Those wishing to take part are encouraged to express their interest now by completing the form on Salisbury City Council’s Salisbury 800 webpage. Paper copies of the form are available to collect from Salisbury Information Centre.

Cllr Jenny Bolwell, Mayor of Salisbury, said, “Whether you are an experienced flower arranger, keen to try something new, able to volunteer your time or interested in supporting the showcase in another way, we would love to hear from you. Together, we can create a memorable celebration that brings colour, creativity and community spirit to the heart of the city.”

To mark the 800th anniversary of Salisbury receiving its Royal Charter, Salisbury City Council is bringing together creativity, heritage and community spirit through a programme of events celebrating the city’s past, present and future. This forms part of the wider Salisbury 800 celebrations, with events and activities taking place across the city during the anniversary year. Find out more about the citywide partnership on the Experience Salisbury website.