Wintercomfort Flower Festival

Something different comes to the Senate House

An event with a difference will be held in the Senate House this weekend.

This magnificent building will be transformed into a haven of colourful displays by 45 arrangers who are using over £3000 worth of flowers in one of the biggest flower festivals ever held in the city.

The event is being hosted by Wintercomfort to raise vital funds for its work with the homeless.

"We are extremely pleased to participate in this splendid event in the majestic surroundings of the Senate House. It is a wonderful setting for the flower show and an excellent opportunity to visit an historic building," said Vice-Chancellor and Wintercomfort patron, Professor Sir Alec Broers.

The festival also includes a series of lectures that are being held in the Bateman auditorium at Gonville and Caius College. A former library archivist for the university, Dr Elisabeth Leedham-Green, will speak on the history of the Old Schools; Director of the University Botanic Garden, Professor John Parker, will talk on the functions of such gardens and Fitzwilliam museum director, Duncan Robinson, will speak on the famous flower painting in the museum.

Visitors can also look around some of the rooms in the Old Schools which have been closed to the public for 20 years.

A concert by Cambridge Voices in Great St Mary's on Saturday is also part of the festival.

Entrance to the flower festival costs £5. Telephone (01223) 300887 to book in advance or tickets are available on the door. Tickets for the lectures cost £2.

A special preview reception will be held on Friday, at 6pm, in the University Combination Room when Professor Sir Alec Broers will give a talk. Tickets for this reception are £20 and are available in advance only by calling (01223) 300887.