A CATHEDRAL is being decked out for a flower festival this weekend.

The event, Let 1,000 Flowers Bloom, is open to the public at Ripon Cathedral from tomorrow to Tuesday.

It features 40 displays, involving more than 100 arrangements put together by clubs and organisations across the region, and co-ordinated by Ripon Flower Club and the cathedral's flower guild.

The main designers are Pat Hutchinson and Mavis Hammond, of Ripon Flower Club.

Visitors will be greeted by a huge display of red banners and arrangements which represent the city, the cathedral and the links between them.

Other displays depict ecology, Water Aid, the church calendar and Christian occasions and remembrance. There is also a display for Pentecost and a representation of the Holy Spirit.

Organiser John Whelan said: "The festival does not have one single theme, but the displays are linked to a number of things.

"The idea was to draw people to Ripon and to the cathedral. It wasn't intended to be a fundraiser, but any proceeds will go to the development of education at the cathedral."

The idea for a major flower festival at the cathedral was suggested two years ago and a committee has worked towards the event, which is sponsored by the Dean and Chapter, for more than a year.

The festival is open daily from 10am to 5pm, noon to 5pm on Sunday, and tickets are £5 including a programme, and free for under-16s.