Rekha Mistry: Gardeners’ World star to talk at city flower festival

Sheffield’s first flower festival is bursting into bloom this month – and will help fund free gardening sessions to improve women’s mental health.

Social enterprise Bloom Sheffield has curated a packed line-up of horticultural star attractions for the floral first which takes place on Sunday August 23 in Kelham Island.

Highlights include Gardeners’ World presenter Rekha Mistry, who will lead a talk on growing flowers in small spaces or allotments.

Visitors will also be able to browse a vibrant flower market and experience the Japanese art of minimalist Ikebana flower arrangement in a demonstration from master Junko Popham.

Kendall Turner, founder of not-for-profit Bloom Sheffield, said: “The idea of a flower festival has been in my head forever, it’s something we’ve always wanted to do.

“People love festivals, and while Sheffield has plenty, this is a real first for the city, and we are so excited.

“Not only will the event be full of joy, creativity and beauty, but it will also be hugely beneficial for helping us continue supporting women’s mental health in Sheffield.

“Everyone who attends will help us continue delivering free therapeutic horticulture sessions for people who need this support.”

The festival takes place across two sister venues, The Mowbray and The Victoria, both based in Kelham Island.

A flower market filled with Yorkshire-grown varieties, local growers and creative makers will take place at The Mowbray, with an outdoor kitchen, bar, plant sale and games.

Talks or workshops, also including mini vase arrangements, flower drawing and botanical cocktails or dried flower arranging, will run at The Victoria.

Kendall, who will speak about starting a community garden at the festival, said: “This is an event for anyone who loves flowers, whether that’s growing them, arranging them, or just admiring their beauty.”

Bloom Sheffield is a community garden for women and non- binary people and was set up with the belief that spending time outdoors with other people is soul soothing.

The group’s aim is improve mental health and wellbeing, reduce social isolation, and teach and share skills.

The group accepts self-referrals and referrals through healthcare, promoting positive mental health through therapeutic horticulture.

It offers free eight-week therapeutic horticulture groups and drop-in gather and grow gardening sessions at its three community gardens.

There are also outdoor toddler and baby groups held at the group’s community garden at Heeley and Meersbrook Allotments.

Flowers grown at the gardens are sold in its Woodseats shop, online and at pop-up events around the city.

Sheffield Flower Festival begins at 10am on Sunday August 23.

Pre-booked day tickets cost from £2 and allow access to both venues.

Tickets for talks or workshops are priced individually and entry tickets on the day will cost £3.