Internationally acclaimed floral architect and mentor at unique event in Lancashire

Blackburn Cathedral Flower Festival has announced a unique opportunity for UK flower fans, as Tom De Houwer confirms a demonstration and installation at the June 2020 event.

Originating from Belgium, Tom de Houwer is celebrated as one of the most talented designers in the world. His unique designs and holistic methods that are driven by philosophical meaning have been inspiring thousands of people worldwide through his speaking engagements, professional & student workshops and featured articles in dozens of magazines.

Famous for his designs and interpretations such as the courtyard installation at Alden Biesen, during the 2018 edition of Fleuramour ‘Passion for Flowers’. Tom transformed the Courtyard into a gorgeous and powerful depiction of the sheer strength of Mother Nature. The dazzling mega arrangement was an eye-opener with a deeper meaning under the theme ‘Urban Roots’.

This is a unique experience to see Tom create breath-taking designs that are “out of this world”.

Tom said: “My style originated at a young age and is inspired by my relationship to the natural world and I love sharing my experience and designs with audiences across the world.

“I am excited to be coming to the Flower Festival in Blackburn after hearing so many positive reports from the last event in 2016. The space and light of the Cathedral is the perfect setting for floral installations, and I am thrilled to be creating a unique design based around the sculpture of Christ the Worker by John Hayward that dominates the nave of the church.

“This is my only visit to the UK this year and I am looking forward to sharing our mutual love of nature, flowers and sculpture.”

Craig Bullock, Artistic Director of the Flower Festival, said: “We are thrilled that Tom is coming to Blackburn in June. His demonstrations are an incredible experience and tickets for this unique event are selling quickly with visitors from across the UK coming to see Tom.

“You should expect the unexpected.”

Tickets for Tom’s demonstration on Thursday, 18th June at 1pm are available online now along with tickets for the Flower Festival and fringe events.

The demonstration takes place at King George’s Hall in Blackburn, a short stroll from the main festival location.

Blackburn Cathedral Flower Festival is open to the public from Thursday 18^th June through to Sunday 21^st June 2020. In addition to the spectacular installations within the Cathedral, with the theme “Heaven and Earth”, there will also be a range of fringe events as part of the Festival. These include a Preview Dinner, The Secret Garden Evening Jazz & Lights Event, Demonstrations by Tom De Houwer and NAFAS demonstrators and an intimate concert of midsummer music by the Renaissance Singers.

Discounted tickets can be purchased in advance from the Festival website  blackburncathedralflowerfestival.com

The Blackburn Cathedral Flower Festival 2020 is in partnership with Plumbs and is supported with sponsorship from Blackburn BID, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, Blackburn Market, Cheetham Jackson, The DDC Group, Star Academies, High Level Maintenance, Westholme School, Perspex International, The Mall Blackburn with media partners BBC Radio Lancashire and Square Cactus.