Flower Festival returns to historic Wolverhampton church

St Mary & St John’s Church welcomed groups of residents into its Wolverhampton base as its flower festival made its return for the third year.

More than 20 vibrant floral displays, based on the theme ‘hidden treasures’, stretched across the church during the three-day fundraiser.

It came as urgent repairs to the Grade II-listed building continued, with churchgoers pushing to raise the thousands needed to complete the church’s restoration work.

Andy Butwilowski, who is chairman of the restoration committee, said he admired the dedication of florists who mastered the displays. He added: “The festival is important to raise awareness of the church. One of the florists said they have lived in Wolverhampton all their lives and they have gone past the church but never realised how beautiful it is inside.”

The Snow Hill church’s flower festivities were officially opened by mayor of Wolverhampton Councillor Elias Mattu, who was joined by his wife Asha on Friday.

Displays scattered across the church included one based on the children’s novel The Secret Garden, another featuring sparkling fairies and one featuring a blue-sprayed orchid surrounding a clam with pearls. The event, which has been sponsored by West Way Nissan Wolverhampton and Oliver Architecture, came as the church continued with its mission to raise £90,000.

It was awarded almost £250,000 by he Heritage Lottery Fund for its restoration project but need to raise thousands more to cover the shortfall.

Work, which will be completed next year, includes repairs to some of its 160-year-old stonework to the south and west faces of the building, along with installing a wheelchair ramp for access to the front doors.

Plans also include converting the porch entrance into an area where visitors can spot the impressive interior from the outside.