CHURCHGOERS at Ombersley have been busy over recent days preparing for the St Andrew’s festival of flowers and music.

The event opened on Friday when residents were able to inspect the efforts of the flower arrangers, who have transformed the church into a blaze of colour.

There was a concert on Saturday, featuring Jamie Knight and the Manuka Trio, and a celebration service on Sunday.

The festival continues today (Monday) with a talk by Howard Robinson on Edward Lear, and tomorrow with music from the St Andrew’s Handbell Ensemble.

The Elgar Ensemble visit on Wednesday evening with evensong featuring the Elgar Chorale, and on Thursday with the Ombersley and Sytchampton School Choirs, before concluding with a Last Night of the Proms concert on Friday.

The festival features 27 arrangements in and around the church, including the lychgate at the churchyard entrance, the porch of the church itself, and around the church interior.

Margaret Packer, of the organising team, said: “We have all been working very hard to make the festival happen, and we hope that as many people as possible will come to enjoy the festival.”

The present church of Saint Andrew was completed in 1828 by the architect Thomas Rickman and is regarded as one of his best. The construction copies 14th century style, notably in its high vaulted ceiling.