(Image: Supplied)
A popular attraction will be transformed by music and flowers this autumn as a much-loved festival returns with displays celebrating the region's rich musical heritage.
The Ushaw Flower Festival, held biennially at historic Ushaw, will run from Thursday, September 10 to Sunday, September 13, 2026, filling its chapels and house with colourful floral installations.
This year’s theme celebrates the musical legacy of the North East, with arrangements inspired by iconic artists, songs, venues, and traditions that have shaped the region's soundscape.
Each display offers a unique floral interpretation of the music that has defined generations.
Ady Davis, flower festival coordinator, said: "It is an honour for Ushaw to host another Flower Festival, giving North-Eastern flower arrangers and florists the opportunity to let their imaginations run wild so that they can show you just how much artistic talent we have in this area.
"Whilst it is always amazing to see Ushaw's buildings filled with flowers, you cannot miss how the whole place smells wonderful with hundreds of flowers filling every corner."
The festival is one of Ushaw’s most anticipated events, drawing visitors from across the region and beyond.
It brings together professional florists and volunteer arrangers to transform the estate with installations that celebrate both floral artistry and the North East’s cultural heritage.
Among the musical inspirations featured in the displays are The Blaydon Races, The Animals, PJ & Duncan, Sam Fender, Sting, The Pet Shop Boys, and classical and folk artists such as Kathryn Tickell and Jez Lowe.
The festival also pays tribute to the region’s choirs, brass bands, and legendary music venues.
This year’s event will showcase work by nationally recognised florists, including Nikki Wright of Nikki Wright Floral Designs, who was awarded a Silver Medal at the 2026 RHS Chelsea Flower Show for her installation Floral Evolution: From Seedling to Symphony.
Also featured is Cat Venner, a finalist in the British Florist Association's Florist of the Year: Newcomer competition.
Returning to Ushaw is the team from East Durham College, who made history as the first North East college to exhibit at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
The college continues to earn national recognition, with two lecturers shortlisted for Floristry Tutor of the Year and the college itself nominated for Floristry Training Provider of the Year.
Their collaboration with Ushaw’s volunteer arrangers ensures a festival that blends professional excellence with community creativity.
Among the standout displays for 2026 will be Wild Grey Ocean, inspired by Sam Fender’s music and the North East coastline; Let's Change the World, a giant floral tribute to Prefab Sprout; A Thousand Years, an arrangement exploring themes from Sting’s 1999 song; and Discography, a vibrant homage to the Pet Shop Boys.
The festival also includes a programme of special events.
Throughout the event, visitors can browse a flower market featuring handmade floral gifts, artisan crafts, and fresh flowers.
On Saturday, September 12, Ushaw will host its first Autumn Specialist Plant and Garden Fair, with a curated selection of independent nurseries from across the North of England.
Visitors will have the chance to purchase unique plants not typically available at garden centres.
On Sunday, September 13, Plant Heritage North East will lead guided tours of Ushaw’s National Collection of Physocarpus (Ninebark).
Ms Davis said: "We are also excited to bring you the first Autumn Specialist Plant Fair on Saturday 12th September.
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"There will be a great selection of Specialist Independent nurseries from all over the North of England and beyond, bringing superb quality plants at amazingly reasonable prices; plants that you cannot buy from your usual garden centre."
Entry is £14 for adults (£12 if pre-booked online) and £8 for those aged 5-18 (£7 online).
Admission is included for Ushaw annual members, Historic Houses members, and National Art Pass holders receive 50 per cent off entry.
For more information, visit ushaw.org/whatson/flower-festival-26.