Stately home festival of blooms to boost cancer care charity

Sir Tatton Sykes is throwing open his stately home to fundraisers from Marie Curie Cancer Care, which has launched an appeal to boost the number of nurses it provides in East Yorkshire.

Every room in the historic building will have a floral display, the centrepiece of which will be 400 daffodils – the charity's emblem – set out to greet visitors in reception. The displays are being provided by Driffield Flower Club.

Tickets for a preview evening on Thursday, April 1, cost 15 and will include a glass of wine and canaps provided by Cerrutti.

The festival will be open every day until April 5.

Cheryl Barrett, Marie Curie fundraising manager for East Yorkshire, said: "Sledmere House is such a spectacular setting.

"We are extremely grateful to Sir Tatton Sykes for his generosity and are very much looking forward to the preview evening."

The charity began its campaign in June last year and is hoping to raise 400,000 to fund up to 20 more nurses in the East Riding.

To book a ticket call (01723) 378111.