A quirky festival was a sight to behold this bank holiday weekend.
Abbey Farm in Abbotsbury hostedits first ever Flower Festival which attracted crowds over the weeken and it continues today.
There is plenty to be seen from Abbey Farm Flowers where you can pick your own bouquets to the particularly eye catching Honnor and Queens Wild and Regal Headdresses stand.
The sustainable fashion brand was founded by Allison Honnor.
She said: “Everything I make is from recycled materials to give something a new lease of life – like woven threads in time.”
Allison explained that her creations are particularly popular with festivalgoers and have been worn to Glastonbury and Camp Bestival.
She added: “I deconstruct wedding dresses; source broken jewellery and hand make pom-poms from recycled jumpers.”
At Abbey Farm Flowers, Jessica Stevens from Hertfordshire was down visiting her parents Diane and Colin from Bridport who suggested they take a trip to the festival as their neighbour owns From My Mothers Garden which is one of the shops at Abbey Farm.
They said: “It’s such a lovely tranquil setting and it’s nice to see it so busy.”
Diane even bought herself some flower bulbs.
Around 30 stalls and studios are present at the event, set-up by makers who create art and crafts inspired by nature.
There are also talks, walks and workshops to take part in as well as a flower trail for children.
Abbey Farm Flowers is co-run by Emma Hughes and Amy Ralph.
Emma said: “We have had a really warm welcome from visitors. The most popular comments are about how stunning the location is.
She explained that the business was Amy’s idea, adding: “I’ve always been passionate about flowers, and I come from a strong line of keen gardeners.”
The flower shop is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10am-4pm and visitors can pick their own flowers there.
Emma said: “We hand visitors a vase and some snippers and then we wrap their flowers up at the end for them.
“It’s really nice watching people pick them; we have a mixed generations come and it’s really interesting to watch the kids pick flowers as they’re thrilled that they are allowed to pick things.”
Visitors to the festival are encouraged to dress in floral prints and for those who want to get a little more creative, there will be an award for the most outstanding flower-inspired outfit.
Parking is available at Abbotsbury Village Carpark which is a short walk from the venue.
The three-day event is free to attend and many of the talks are free, whilst some workshops and walks have costs starting from £8.
More information can be found on the Abbey Farm Abbotsbury website: abbeyfarmabbotsbury.co.uk.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here