25 Jun 2026
A new floral installation – The Martyr’s Garden – will transform the Cathedral into an immersive floral experience as part of celebrations marking 150 years since St Albans became a city.
Created by renowned floral designer Amie Bone, the five-day festival is expected to attract more than 18,500 visitors between May 18-22 2027.
Rather than a traditional flower festival, The Martyr’s Garden will take visitors on a journey through the Cathedral inspired by the story of Saint Alban. Large-scale floral installations will respond to the building’s architecture and heritage, guiding visitors through the Cathedral to the Shrine of Saint Alban and the Lady Chapel. While the festival is creatively led by Amie, flower guilds and local floral groups will play a vital role, reflecting the strong sense of community at its heart.
The festival comes at a time when cathedrals across England face significant financial challenges. As places of worship, heritage, culture and community, cathedrals play a vital role in national life, yet many face increasing pressures in maintaining historic buildings and public programmes. The Martyr’s Garden is part of St Albans Cathedral’s commitment to ensuring this extraordinary place continues to flourish for future generations.
The Dean of St Albans, the Very Rev’d Jo Kelly-Moore said: “The Martyr’s Garden will be a truly special moment for our Cathedral and our city. As we celebrate 150 years of our diocese, this festival offers a new way for people to experience this remarkable building and our unique story, through beauty, creativity, and a shared sense of story and place.”
Creative director Amie Bone added: “This project is about creating an experience that people can feel as much as see. The Martyr’s Garden will unfold as a journey, where flowers, light, and space come together to create something immersive, meaningful, and memorable.”
Day tickets are on sale now, with evening experiences and workshops being released later.
For further information see www.stalbanscathedral.org/the-martyrs-garden
