Dales wildflower festival has bloomed into major success

This year’s Flowers of the Dales Festival will see a programme of 130 events taking place from March through until November.

More than 10,000 visitors have attended wildflower-inspired events since the festival was launched in 2009.

In the last year alone more than 5,000 people took part, highlighting the growing success and popularity of the festival and this year’s event is due to be the most comprehensive yet.

The Clapham-based charity Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust (YDMT) is co-ordinating the festival, and events will include guided walks and photography courses as well as cookery and craft events and children’s activities.

Flowers of the Dales project officer Tanya St Pierre said: “Here at the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust, the festival is one of our proudest achievements, encouraging thousands of people every year to get out and about in the glorious Dales landscape and appreciate the beautiful wildflowers.

“Our aim is to promote local events and organisations and to provide enjoyable activities that are accessible to everyone.”

One of the highlights is a spring flower-themed choral concert performed by St Paulinus Choir of Ripon, including pieces by Bach, Schubert, Britten and Handel. The concert will take place on Saturday, May 19, in Clapham Church.

The full festival programme is available online at www.ydmt.org and free copies will also be available from visitor centres in the area in the coming weeks.