THE Flower Festival organised by the Church of Ireland parish in Derrylin proved a major success.

Up to 3,000 people, including Earl of Erne pupil, Abbey Willis (pictured), visited the parish over the four days of the enjoyable event, which was based on the theme of the Bible verse, Hebrews 5:13 “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever”.

The Countess of Erne performed the opening ceremony last Friday and the activity continued until Monday, its achievements surpassing the expectations of the organisers.

The rector, the Rev, George Davison, felt it had been a “terrific” weekend and he beleives that the concluding concert provided by George Hamilton IV was a fitting conclusion.

Generally the weekend weather had been good, and visitors enjoyed viewing the various displays over the days of the festival. Many commented how clearly the floral arrangements expressed the Bible passages which they were reflecting.

The Flower Festival was held as part of the parish’s celebration in 2001 to mark 175 years of worship in the current church building.

The funds will be directed to the 175th Anniversary Fund, which it is planned will be used in a number of ways, including overseas and charitable work.

Some will be used to provide something for the church building to mark the anniversary.