Festival of Flowers promises a sensory spectacular

The Leprosy Mission England and Wales is planning a stunning floral display to run in central London between the main Olympics and ParaOlympics.

The Festival of Flowers takes place at Southwark Cathedral from 23 to 26 August, and will see flowers transformed into living works of art.

Visitors to the festival will be taken on a breathtaking journey of transformation harnessing the power and beauty of flowers and artistry, and the backdrop of a historic and holy space.

The festival is being overseen by artistic director Mig Kimpton, a passionate floral designer and multi-award winner, including two gold medals at the Chelsea Flower Show.

Kimpton will lead a groundbreaking team of over 75 fellow designers from across the UK and Europe in assembling a journey of colour, light, fragrance and innovative floral installations.

Organisers hope the end result will be a living art gallery and spiritual oasis in the heart of London at one of the most exciting times in the city's history.

The Very Rev Andrew Nunn, Dean of Southwark Cathedral, “I cannot wait to see the Cathedral transformed by the Festival of Flowers. We are delighted to be working with The Leprosy Mission in this Olympic year as we celebrate together the transformation of all things – lives and communities – and will see this symbolised in the beauty of flowers.”

Visitors will also be able to attend mini-demonstrations hosted by Kimpton and other members of the design team, where they will be able to see how to produce stunning designs of their own.

It is hoped that the festival will raise awareness of leprosy as a 21st century issue.

Peter Walker, National Director of The Leprosy Mission said, “This August, we hope that our vision of transformation will be realised in an amazing festival that will incorporate the senses we take for granted, but of which people affected by leprosy are so often deprived – sight, smell and touch.”

The theme of transformation will focus on four key areas: transformation through the good news of Jesus Christ; transformation through the work of The Leprosy Mission; transformation through sport (particularly for people with disabilities); transformation in the community.

Proceeds from the Festival of Flowers will go towards the Champa Vocational Training Centre in Chhattisgarrh, one of Leprosy Mission's six vocational training centres in India. Each year at Champa, many young people affected by leprosy are taught the skills to earn a living, rather than beg for one, helping to transform lives and restore dignity.