Flower show brings colour

SAM Garlick (8) and Olivia Stott (2) meet Tree Fu Tom

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STUNNING arrangements, colourful entertainment and a little bit of "Tree Fu" magic helped Oldham town centre welcome the summer season with the annual flower festival on Saturday.

Hundreds of residents stopped by the event to enjoy a variety of activities including plant potting, floral arrangement demonstrations and crafts as part of Oldham's Bloom & Grow event.

Youngsters were delighted when CBeebies favourite Tree Fu Tom stopped by the event to teach them how to cast magic spells and help save Treetopolis during an interactive show.

Eight-year-old Sam Garlick and Olivia Stott (2) couldn't stop smiling after they had the chance for a meet and greet with Tom on stage.

Their mum Jo Garlick, from Chadderton, said: "Sam has loved Tree Fu Tom since he was around Olivia's age and it's meant the world for them to be able to meet him.

"It's great that these events are put on in the town centre for families to enjoy."

Lecksi Butler (5) also enjoyed the arts and crafts available in the town centre and picked up a free carnation from Oldham's environmental team at the event.

Her mum Emma Clune, from Oldham, said: "We came into town to get a few things for a wedding we are going to but when Lecksi saw the flowers she asked if we could take them for the wedding.

"The festival seems to have a lot for everyone to enjoy."

Green-fingered enthusiasts were also treated to a masterclass in flower arranging by members of Oldham's environmental team while stilt walkers Bob the Butterfly and Jerry the Gerbera posed for pictures with visitors.

Street entertainment from Topiary Trauma, Green Fingered Gals and Oldham Theatre Workshop provided plenty of laughs alongside Blossom, Oldham's Bloom & Grow Mascot, and "Tommy", Tommyfield Market's mascot, who made his debut at the event.

The flower festival, organised by the Town Centre Partnership, also celebrated the official opening of the town's flagship Bloom and Grow WOW flowerbed centrepiece, which this year focuses on four key elements to a healthy lifestyle.

Sisters Janet and Christine Whitehead were thoroughly impressed with Oldham's entry to the competition.

Janet (63) said: "I think it's wonderful that Oldham Council do this every year and put so much effort into looking after it over winter.

"The council get knocked down a lot but this really is a credit to them."

Christine (68) added: "It cheers us up every time we come into the town centre.

"It's something that everyone can enjoy."

Families could also buzz down to Gallery Oldham and take part in "Bee Day" where they could learn more about how bee hives work and bee-friendly planting.

Town centre manager Sara Hewitt said: "We are really pleased with the flower festival and it was great that the weather held off throughout the day.

"We think thousands of people turned up to enjoy the activities and entertainment.

"We've certainly given out 2,000 free flowers to people.

"It's our seventh flower festival and it keeps getting bigger and better and a lot of people have complimented us on our Bloom & Grow display.

"It also officially launches our summer season in the town centre and we will have a lot of events going on for families to enjoy over the next few months."