Magic, mystery and music at launch of flower festival, Teesdale Mercury

There will be magic, mystery and music at the launch of a new flower festival in Hamsterley.

The village Methodist chapel hosts the first Country Flower Festival, featuring displays of local flora, next month.

The festival is one of a number of events being organised to raise funds for the restoration of the chapel and Sunday School.

It will feature 17 displays of local flowers arranged by volunteers from the Hamsterley area.

And the Sunday School will be transformed into the tea room from Victoria Wood’s Acorn Antiques, to provide refreshments over the weekend.

To launch the event, a mysterious conjuror known as “The Magician” will perform tricks at a gala preview evening at the chapel on Friday, August 13.

He will be joined by local musicians in an evening of entertainment featuring recorders, flute and piano and the singing of traditional folk songs.

“We hope it will be a lovely occasion, enjoyed by visitors and residents,” said John Wearmouth, one of the organisers.

“And we hope it will raise a significant sum towards the renovation of the chapel.”

The gala evening will begin with drinks in the Millennium Yew Garden between 6.30pm and 7pm, and the festival will be opened by journalist Mike Amos.

The flower festival will take place at Hamsterley Methodist Chapel on Saturday, August 14 between 10am and 6pm, and between 12.30pm and 6pm on Sunday, August 15. 

There are suggested donations of £2 per person for admission to the festival, and £5 per person for the gala evening.

For more information contact 01388 488164 or 01388 488557.