Ushaw’s spectacular Flower Festival returns this September with a celebration of the music of the North East

The sights, sounds and stories of the North East will bloom to life this September as Ushaw's much-loved Flower Festival returns, transforming its magnificent historic buildings with spectacular floral displays inspired by the region's rich musical heritage.

Taking place from Thursday 10 to Sunday 13 September 2026, the flower festival invites visitors to experience the music of the North East reimagined in flowers. From iconic artists and unforgettable songs to cherished musical traditions and legendary venues, every arrangement offers a unique interpretation of the sounds that have shaped the region's identity.

Held biennially, Ushaw Flower Festival is one of their most anticipated events, bringing together talented volunteer flower arrangers and florists from across the region to create breathtaking installations that fill Ushaw's historic house and chapels with colour, creativity and imagination.

From traditional Geordie favourites such as The Blaydon Races to legendary bands including Prefab Sprout, The Animals and PJ & Duncan; from celebrated musicians, Sam Fender, Sting, and The Pet Shop Boys to folk and classical talents including Kathryn Tickell and Jez Lowe, each display celebrates a different chapter in the North East's extraordinary musical story.

Visitors will also discover tributes to iconic music venues, choirs, brass bands and songs inspired by the region, with displays designed to delight, surprise and spark memories. 

Award-Winning Floristry Talent

This year's Flower Festival showcases the work of some of the UK's most exciting floristry talent.

• Nikki Wright of Nikki Wright Floral Designs, who was awarded a Silver Medal at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026 for her installation Floral Evolution: From Seedling to Symphony. 

• Work by Cat Venner, who has earned a place in the live finals of the British Florist Association's Florist of the Year: Newcomer competition, recognising her as one of the country's rising stars in floristry.

• Returning to Ushaw this year is the talented floristry team from East Durham College, who will create another spectacular large-scale installation following their appearance as the first North East college to exhibit at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. The college continues to gain national recognition, with two of its lecturers shortlisted for British Florist Association Floristry Tutor of the Year, while the college itself has also been nominated for Floristry Training Provider of the Year. 

These nationally recognised designers will exhibit alongside Ushaw's passionate volunteer arrangers, creating a festival that celebrates both exceptional floral artistry and the creativity that continues to flourish across the North East.

Some of the themes for this year’s Flower Festival include:

• Wild Grey Ocean (Sam Fender) - Drawing inspiration from Sam Fender's Wild Grey Ocean, this sculptural installation reflects the dramatic beauty of the North East coastline.

• Let's Change the World (Prefab Sprout) - This striking installation features giant floral sculptures and is inspired by the music of Prefab Sprout, whose roots lie just a few miles from Ushaw.

• A Thousand Years (Sting) - Inspired by Sting's evocative 1999 song, this arrangement explores themes of enduring love, spirituality and the passage of time, through elegant floral design.

• Discography (Pet Shop Boys) - Celebrating one of the North East's most iconic musical duos, this vibrant floral display reflects the creativity, innovation and enduring influence of the Pet Shop Boys.

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”.

“We are also excited to bring you the first Autumn Specialist Plant Fair on Saturday 12th September. 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.”

Alongside the stunning floral displays, visitors can enjoy a programme of special events during  this year’s Flower Festival:

• Throughout the entirety of Ushaw Flower Festival, visitors can enjoy the Flower Market, featuring talented makers selling handmade floral gifts, artisan crafts and fresh flowers.

• On Saturday 12 September, Ushaw hosts its first ever Autumn Specialist Plant & Garden Fair, welcoming a carefully curated group of specialist plant nurseries to the grounds.

• On Sunday 13 September, join Plant Heritage North East for guided tours of Ushaw's National Collection of Physocarpus (Ninebark).

The Flower Festival offers visitors the opportunity to experience Ushaw in a unique way, with stunning floral artistry displayed throughout its historic building, celebrating the creativity of volunteer arrangers alongside the enduring musical legacy of the North East, the festival promises four days of inspiration, craftsmanship and community in one of the region's most remarkable heritage settings.

Thank you to Ushaw Flower Festival event sponsors OASIS® Renewal® Floral Foam and Bon Bloemen Ltd.

Ushaw Flower Festival runs from 10 - 13 September 2026. Entry is £14 for adults (or £12 when pre-booked online) and £8 for 5-18 year olds (£7 when pre-booked online), entry is included for Ushaw annual members, Historic Houses members and National Art Pass members can get 50% off admission for the event. 

To see more information: please visit: ushaw.org/whatson/flower-festival-26/