Floral installations using locally grown and RHS award-winning dahlias are the centre-piece of Cowbridge High Street as the town celebrates the return of its Festival of Flowers. 

With the aim of helping its high streets 'bloom' back to life following the COVID-19 pandemic, the event is being held in a bid to drive footfall into the town. 

A flower installation on the Town Hall has been created by Rhian Rees of Wild & Fabulous Flowers using flowers from Pheasant Acre, while floral window displays have been created by high street traders and window artist Claire Williams of Huxley and Mabel. 

During the month-long festival, traders will be showcasing their floral offerings, including floral fashion and gifts, floral cocktails and food, and floral-inspired beauty treatments. 

A Flower Fairy Trail for children is also set up in the Old Hall Gardens and various flower-themed workshops are scheduled throughout the month. 

Bont Gin will be creating a flower-infused gin specifically for the festival and hosting a Flower Crown & Cocktail workshop in conjunction with florists Florrie & Jo where attendees can create and sample a bespoke cocktail containing this unique gin. 

High street florist Bryan Bird of The Bay Tree is hosting a Summer Flower Workshop and local florist Rhian Rees is hosting a Summer Table Flower Arrangement Workshop at the Hare & Hounds Bakery. 

The Festival will culminate on the bank holiday weekend, where on Saturday, August 27 acts including the Flower Pot People, Petal People, and a Flower Fairy will entertain visitors to the town, while a String Quartet will perform in the Physic Garden. 

Nia Hollins, Principal Tourism and Marketing Officer at Vale of Glamorgan Council, said: "We're delighted to host the Festival of Flowers once again in Cowbridge this year and we're grateful for the support of the local florists, traders, the Chamber of Trade and Town Council who have got behind this event. 

"The Festival aims to encourage residents and visitors to visit and explore what Cowbridge has to offer and to give our local traders a boost after a tough couple of years. 

"Cowbridge is looking absolutely beautiful and we're looking forward to the workshops and events over the next month." 

The event, which is funded by the Vale of Glamorgan Council, will take place in Cowbridge until August 31. 

Book your place here

Summer Table Flower Arrangement Workshop at Hare & Hounds Bakery, August 15 

Summer Flower Workshop at The Bay Tree, August 25 

Flower Crown & Cocktail Workshop at Bont Gin, August 31