Adam Vary
Updated on: October 8, 2024 12:44 pm GMT
Hitchin Church to Host Floral Spectacle Featuring Kim Wilde
Kim Wilde, the iconic 1980s pop star and gardening enthusiast, is set to officially open a highly anticipated flower show at St. Mary’s Church in Hitchin, Hertfordshire. The event, part of the National Association of Flower Arranging Societies (NAFAS) Home Counties regional show, will take place from September 20 to September 22 and is expected to attract a significant number of visitors eager to experience the stunning floral displays.
A Floral Festival at St. Mary’s Church
During the three-day flower festival, attendees can look forward to more than 40 unique floral arrangements crafted by both the church’s team of arrangers and talented guests from across the Home Counties. The event not only showcases beautiful flowers but also features live music, creating what the church’s fundraising coordinator, Anne Senechal, describes as “a feast for the senses.”
“Whether you visit during the day or join us for one of our special evening events, if you are a keen gardener or simply appreciate the beauty of flowers, we are confident that you will find something to inspire and delight you,” said Senechal.
Community Involvement and Local Business Support
In addition to stunning floral displays, the festival will involve local businesses, with shop windows around the church featuring themed displays and products that resonate with the floral showcase. This initiative aims to create a vibrant atmosphere similar to the renowned Chelsea Flower Show, encouraging community participation and generating additional interest in the event.
“St Mary’s churchyard is home to a wonderful array of independent businesses, all eager to engage with this three-day event,” Senechal noted. “We expect it to be a significant draw for the community.”
A Major Fundraising Endeavor
This flower show marks the first major fundraising event for St. Mary’s Church in a decade, aimed at securing nearly £1 million in investment to update the medieval structure for modern use. Senechal emphasized the urgent need for facilities that meet today’s standards, including installing restrooms, a servery, and upgrading heating systems within the Grade I listed building.
“As the largest church in Hertfordshire, St. Mary’s has long welcomed important civic ceremonies,” she explained. “However, we must address the lack of basic modern facilities to maintain our role as a central community hub.”
The church has outlined plans to approach this funding challenge in stages, beginning with essential infrastructure improvements and subsequently enhancing specific facilities as financial contributions allow.
Kim Wilde’s Musical Legacy
Beyond her role in this floral celebration, Kim Wilde’s influence in the music world endures. Known for hits like “Kids in America” and “You Keep Me Hangin’ On,” Wilde became a defining figure of the 1980s pop scene. Her ability to blend rock sensibility with catchy melodies solidified her reputation as a versatile artist who continues to resonate with fans today.
Recently, Wilde expressed her views on legendary bands, notably calling Queen “one of the greatest bands of all time.” Discussing their influential album, *Sheer Heart Attack*, she praised its clever melodies and vocal arrangements, invoking memories of a time when music fostered a sense of rebellion amongst youth—a spirit captured in her own song, “Kids in America.”
An Inviting Atmosphere and Continued Impact
The Hitchin flower show, enhanced by Wilde’s presence, ultimately seeks to not just raise funds for essential church renovations but also to celebrate community and culture. By highlighting local businesses and creating an engaging event, St. Mary’s aims to foster connections while showcasing the beauty of floral artistry.
The partnership of a musical icon and a community-centric festival is poised to create an inspiring atmosphere for attendees of all ages, illustrating how the arts can unite and elevate local spirits. As preparations continue for the flower festival, excitement builds around both the blooms and the cultural legacy represented by Kim Wilde.
St. Mary’s Church has big plans for the future! It wants to keep its special history alive while being an important part of the Hitchin community for many years.
