Ushaw Flower Festival

Ushaw’s fantastic Flower Festival returns on Thursday 10 – Sunday 13 September 2026

Experience the sound of the North East reimagined in flowers. Discover breathtaking floral displays inspired by our region’s rich musical heritage, filling the spectacular buildings of Ushaw with colour, creativity and charm.

The North East has a rich and long history of music; what comes to mind?

Traditional Geordie songs such as Blaydon Races, famous bands such as Prefab Sprout, The Animals or Maximo Park, musicians such as Bryan Ferry, Chris Rea or Sam Fender, classical and folk artists and composers such as Kathryn Tickell or Will Todd, venues past including Redcar Jazz Club or the Lampglass Cellar in Ashington, current venues such as The Glasshouse or the Live Lounge, Sunderland, DJs such as DJ Sasha, the heritage of our choirs and brass bands such as Felling Male Voice choir or the EveryReady Band, or songs about the North east such as The Great Northern River by the Unthanks or Durham Town by Roger Whittaker.

Our fabulous flower arrangers and florists bring to you what came to their minds when they thought of Music of the North East. Filling the dramatic architecture of Ushaw, their displays will take you on a journey of our rich musical heritage, whilst at the same time making you wonder at their talent and smile at their humour.

NEW FOR THIS FLOWER FESTIVAL!

• Daily ‘Flower Market’ where you can find talented crafts people selling their handmade floral-themed gifts, as fresh flowers.
• On Saturday 12 September, we are joined by a select group of Specialist Plant Nurseries where there is opportunity to pick up a rare or unusual plant whilst also visiting the Flower Festival.
• On Sunday 13 September, Plant Heritage North East will also be offering tours of Ushaw’s National Collection of Physocarpus (Ninebark).