“Enchantment”

A Message from the Festival Chairman, Barry Drew

In June 2008 following a series of in depth meetings Spalding Flower Parade and Carnival Trust, organisers of the 49th and 50th Flower Parades, came to the heartrending decision that it was no longer sustainable or viable to organise a parade that would do justice to the national and international reputation that the Spalding Flower Parade had built up over the previous 50 years.

However, mindful of the importance that the Tulip and the Horticultural industry has played in the district’s heritage and of South Holland’s current reputation as both an area for flower growing and importing, the Trust decided that the Parade should be replaced by something that would still fulfil the twin objectives of highlighting our districts heritage and giving visitors and local people the opportunity to celebrate all that is good about South Holland. To ensure that this is the case every care has been taken to include the features that have been the highlights of the Parade.



The Festival will take place in the Springfields Arena, Camelgate and will also incorporate the Springfields Festival Gardens with their stunning new musical fountains. Spread out around the Arena and Gardens will be numerous static displays headed with Tulips (all based on the theme “Enchantment”) which will allow visitors to view at their leisure and take stunning photographs.

Part of the Trust’s aims as a charity is to work with local schools and many of them will feature as entrants in our Fairy Gardens and Scarecrow competitions. The talents of the local community, including schools, junior and adult amateur dance, music and theatre groups will be celebrated as they entertain you on our various music stages. There will also be entertainment from some of the marching bands that have always been a parade feature. I must not forget to mention the free circus that will perform 5 times each day, the marquee that will host flower displays from 20 local churches, NAFAS and a variety of quality gardening related trade stands.

Spalding’s reputation in the Horticultural Industry has also allowed us to obtain what, for those who love their gardens and flowers, will be the “icing on the cake”. On display will be around twelve Chelsea/ Harrogate Royal Horticultural Society Gold Medal Winning Exhibitors.



All of these will be available on all three days of the festival. This will allow you to choose the day that suits you, not have to worry about the traffic queues and not be restricted by the road closures that were a feature of the past. As a bonus for those of you who choose to come on the Monday your entrance fee will include an evening finale including a stunning Firework Display although there will also be entry to just the finale.

This is an exciting and innovative venture and I feel very proud to be in a position as Chairman of the Trust to welcome you to the Spalding Flower Festival 2009.

Following discussions with local 'stakeholders' Lincolnshire County Council have decided to reinstate and underwrite a parade in Spalding. The parade, which will be smaller and over a shortened route, will take place at 2pm on Saturday 2nd May.

Wording and photographs courtesy of Spalding Parade Ltd

Click here for for further information on The Spalding Flower Festival