Blackburn Cathedral flower exhibition to bring parishes from across Lancashire under one roof

Blackburn Cathedral will be turned over to flowers for four days later this month as churches from across Lancashire bring displays to the city centre for a special centenary exhibition.

The event, called Parishes in Bloom, runs from Friday 21 August to Monday 24 August 2026 and is part of the centenary celebrations for both Blackburn Cathedral and the Diocese of Blackburn.

Organised by the Friends of Blackburn Cathedral, the exhibition will see parishes use floral arrangements to showcase life in their local communities.

Churches taking part are coming from across the region, from Bolton-le-Sands in the north to Standish in the south, and from Slaidburn across to Kirkham.

Canon Andy Pratt MBE, the lead organiser on behalf of the Friends, said excitement was building ahead of the exhibition and urged people to make a note of the dates, with the event only running for four days.

The Revd. Canon Andrew Horsfall, Interim Dean of Blackburn, said the exhibition was expected to be one of the highlights of the cathedral’s centenary year.

Opening hours are 9.30am to 4pm on Friday 21 August, 9.30am to 3.30pm on Saturday 22 August, 12.30pm to 3.30pm on Sunday 23 August and 9.30am to 4pm on Monday 24 August.

Entry is free, although visitors are being encouraged to make a suggested £5 donation to support the Friends of Blackburn Cathedral, an independent charity which raises money for projects to improve the cathedral’s fabric and facilities.

The cathedral has also said some entry restrictions may apply and visits may coincide with other activities taking place in the building.