Prepare to have your senses overwhelmed by the sight and smell of the 40,000 flowers which fill every nook and cranny of St Albans Cathedral.

%image(15549142, type="article-full", alt="A piece entitled "This little light of mine" on show at the Cathedral Flower Festival")

The spectacular Music in Bloom Flower Festival runs from until Sunday, and sees the city landmark fusing sight, smell and sound for floral displays based around a diverse range of musical themes and songs.

Hundreds of imaginative flower displays are on show created by arrangers from across the region, accompanied by live music, flower arranging classes and festival refreshments.

The innovative range of song choices include Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon, When I’m Cleaming Windows by George Formby, Meatloaf classic Bat Out Of Hell, and patriotic hymn I Vow To Thee My Country.

The Reverend Richard Watson, Sub Dean at St Albans Cathedral said: “The Cathedral is packed with the most amazing flower displays and musical performances. Hundreds of individuals from across the city, district and diocese have given thousands of hours of their time, energy and talent to make it all possible. We owe a huge debt of thanks to each and every person who has contributed in any way to this vibrant celebration, which I know we will be talking about for many years to come – so whatever you do, don’t miss it.”

Flower Festival chair Liz Semple said: “The original idea came from the Floral Guild – the last festival was in 2002 and they’ve wanted to do another one for years but it is hard to programme and manage an event on this scale. It took two years of preparation and takes a cast of thousands to run an event like this.

“At the very first meeting it was decided there had to be a theme – music gives us lots of opportunities for associated events, which will hopefully appeal to people who like music and good food as well as flowers. There is a lovely juxtaposition on some of the displays – Katy Perry’s Firework is next to the Fireworks Suite by Handel for example – and everything from nursery rhymes and jazz to musicals is covered.”

Tickets cost £10 (Sunday £8) and are available on the door or through the box office on 01727 890290 or at www.stalbanscathedral.org