A popular parish church was transformed as a special event made a welcome return after a number of years.
St. Margaret's Church in Lowestoft was abloom with colour as glorious music echoed out at the weekend.
A nautical inspired flower festival was staged in the ancient parish church of Lowestoft.
Linda Friston, co-organiser of the flower festival, said: "We are aiming to encourage more people from the community to come into our lovely church.
"St Margaret’s in Hollingsworth Road is a grade one listed medieval building, and its fabric is in desperate need of renovation particularly repairs to the plasterwork.
"It is well over 500 years old, so funds are needed for repairs."
With the current rector - the Rev Canon Simon Stokes - being a very keen sailor, he suggested a nautical theme for the flower festival.
Mrs Friston said: "The creative flower arrangements are by members of Lowestoft Flower Club, their friends and the church ladies.
"The nautical theme includes a stall from the RNLI who are celebrating their 200th anniversary and a display from the Fisherman’s Mission."
Schoolchildren from Northfield Academy and St Margaret’s Academy provided artwork, while the 4th Lowestoft (St Margaret’s) Scouts group showcased a static display as did the St Margaret’s Craft Group.
"Our rector has been going to both schools to take part in assemblies to form a connection between the schools and the church," Mrs Friston said.
"The Bishop of Thetford, the Rt Rev Ian Bishop, officiated at the Sunday morning service when four members of the congregation were confirmed."
A range of incidental music was played over the weekend to complement the floral display as Stephen Mynott (guitar) and Tony Jullings (flute), resident organist Jonathan Williams, Lowestoft Longshoremen (sea shanties), and Xenia Horne (harp) all performed.
Floral tribute
A special feature of the flower festival was a floral tribute around the font to Samuel Sarbutt.
A skipper of the trawler Leonard Cockrill LT 34 - built at Richards Ironworks in Lowestoft in 1958 - he remained skipper of the boat until his retirement.
He also had strong links with St Margaret’s Church throughout his life – being christened in the same font and married in the church to Lily Swann and they celebrated their golden wedding a few years prior to his death.
Mrs Friston said: "This is the first major festival at the church for a number of years.
"It has been a joyful celebration.
"I’m really pleased with the way the church looks – it’s lovely."
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