Community gives thanks with flower and music festival at St Mary's in Kingswinford

May 15 2008 By Dale Williams

A THREE-day colourful festival of flowers, music and worship was being launched todayat an ancient church. The event at St Mary’s, in Kingswinford, near Dudley, comes after months of planning and preparation.

The church has been filled with floral displays reflecting different pieces of music, as well as live music from school groups and professional musicians.

Thousands of people are expected at the festival, which has been made possible thanks to help from sponsors who have donated more than £1,000 to pay for musicians and flowers.

Members of the congregation have been working on every aspect of the festival with support from schools and flower arrangers in the community, and from Stourbridge College.

Today, the church was open for viewing of the flowers, with free admission to hear various school groups singing.

Tomorrow there are craft stalls and refreshments from 10am. At 7.30pm, a gala concert features Phoenix Brass and singer/songwriter Chris Eaton. A few tickets remain at £6 and can be obtained by ringing Margaret Penn on 01384 270806, or purchased on the door.

On Sunday there is family Eucharist at 10am, and choral Evensong at 4.30pm.

The Rev Dr Giles Kendall said: "Although I only took up the post of priest in charge of the parish of Kingswinford last month I am already thrilled and encouraged by all the hard work that has gone into the preparation of this festival weekend.

"I hope and pray that thousands from Kingswinford and beyond come and visit us for a few minutes, or a few hours."

A church spokesman said: "The aim has been to draw in as many of the local community to enjoy the beauty and peace of the oldest church in the borough.

"We also hope to raise thousands of pounds for the on-going restoration of the church and to donate to the World Vision charity which educates children in the Third World."