- Hundreds of handmade flowers needed from residents, families and community groups
- Free workshops and community events planned to help people get involved
- Flower Festival forms part of Athelstan 1100 week, led by St Editha’s Church this July
Tamworth Borough Council is inviting residents, families, schools and community groups to take part in an exciting and creative project this summer to transform Tamworth Castle into a breathtaking ‘Flower Castle.’
As part of the Tamworth Flower Festival, taking place from 23 to 26 July, the exterior of Tamworth Castle will be decorated with hundreds of handmade fabric, knitted and crocheted flowers, all created by the local community. The vibrant installation promises to be a stunning visual centrepiece and a celebration of community spirit.
Tamworth Castle is proud to support the festival by hosting this ambitious community art installation. Local residents, community groups and the Castle Craft Group have already created colourful rag and fabric flowers, and many more contributions are needed to bring the display to life.
Councillor Lewis Smith, portfolio holder for people services, engagement, leisure and heritage for Tamworth Borough Council said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for our community to come together and be part of something truly special. The Flower Castle will be a vibrant celebration of creativity, heritage and local pride, and we’re encouraging everyone, from families and schools to community groups, to get involved and help us create something unforgettable for Tamworth."
How to get involved:
The council is encouraging people of all ages and abilities to take part by creating handmade flowers. Whether crafting at home, with friends, in schools or as part of a group, everyone is welcome to contribute.
Flowers should be:
- Lightweight, soft and flexible
- Made from fabric, textiles, yarn, wool or rags
- Approximately 10–30cm in size
- Fitted with a loop or tie for easy attachment
To ensure safety, materials such as wire, plastic, metal or any sharp or hard components must not be used.
There are many ways to get creative, including:
- Rag or fabric strip flowers (ideal for families and large groups)
- Layered fabric flowers (glued or sewn)
- Simple sewn flowers such as gathered or folded designs
- Knitted or crocheted flowers
- Fabric scrap ‘cluster’ flowers (perfect for younger children)
Workshops and community activities:
A series of free workshops and drop-in sessions will be held across Tamworth, working with two local textile artists, Debbie Murphy (Missfit Creations) and Sarah Baxter (SB Textiles), who are supporting the delivery of workshops and creating the final flower display.
Debbie and Sarah will offer people the opportunity to learn new skills and create flowers together.
Workshop dates:
- Every other Thursday: Castle Craft Group sessions, meeting inside the castle
- Saturday 16 May: A drop-in activity at the Mental Health Awareness Community Event 12 noon - 5pm in the Castle Grounds (Old Swimming Baths area, B79 7ND)
- Thursday 28 – Saturday 30 May: Half-term family workshops at Tamworth Castle stables. Workshop Dates: Thursday 28 May, 10.30am – 2.00pm with Debbie Murphy. Friday 29 May, 10.30am – 2.00pm with Sarah Baxter. Saturday 30 May, 10.30am – 2.00pm with Debbie Murphy
- Saturday 20 June: A flower-making stall at 1 – 4pm at St Andrew’s Methodist Church Summer Open Day, Thackeray Drive, B79 8HY.
Can't make it to a workshop but would still like to take part? Here's some instructions for how to make your own fabric flowers at home.
In addition, the castle team can arrange visits to schools and community groups to deliver flower-making sessions led by local artists.
Residents can also support the project by donating colourful fabrics such as old clothes or textiles. Deadline is 31 May.
Completed flowers should be returned by the end of June to:
- Tamworth Castle reception (Thursday–Sunday)
- Marmion House front desk (weekdays, see website for opening hours: Contact Us | Tamworth Borough Council
The Flower Castle will officially be unveiled on Saturday 25 July at Tamworth Castle Grounds. The launch event will include:
- The full Flower Castle display
- Family-friendly activities
- Live performances, including Tamworth Gospel Choir
- The Cherry Fair Procession
The Flower Festival forms featuring more than 50 floral displays across the town, as part of Athelstan 1100 week led by St Editha’s Church, commemorating Tamworth’s rich Anglo-Saxon heritage and its historic connection to King Athelstan. The week will feature a lively programme of events including family activities, live music, and the much-loved Cherry Fair and procession on 25 July.
This is a unique opportunity for the community to come together, celebrate creativity, and leave a lasting mark on one of Tamworth’s most iconic landmarks.
Residents are encouraged to share their creations on social media, tagging the castle Facebook and Instagram pages: https://www.facebook.com/TamworthCastle. Instagram: www.instagram.com/tamworthcastleandgrounds/and follow Tamworth Castle website for inspiration, updates and workshop details: www.tamworthcastle.co.uk.
For more information or to get involved, please contact: emma-carter@tamworth.gov.uk.