Bloom!

Ian Jones, Food and Drink Editor

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Bloom!

Creative Tourist, York, YO19WY
Bloom!
Bloom!
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Bloom! is a festival of horticulture which was launched as a way of celebrating 250 years of the Ancient Society of York Florists. Happily, it’s now an annual event focusing on floral displays and beautiful hidden gems in York that caters to both the green-fingered and those green behind the ears.

As befits York’s reputation as one of the North’s most picturesque cities, Bloom! sees the entire area bursting with colour. The festival itself varies each year, but you can expect at least a week of pop-up gardens, floral displays and everything flower-related. The entire programme takes in more than just pretty arrangements, however, you can also participate in workshops and community initiatives, not to mention a mixture of one-off small-scale events and larger, more ambitious installations. This includes talks, trails and guided tours and window-dressing all over the city.

Of course, this all goes back to the impressive fact that York’s Ancient Society of York Florists is the oldest floristry society in the world. Back in 2018, they marked their 250th anniversary with this celebration of floristry in locations throughout the city, which proved an instant hit with locals and visitors, meaning it has become a welcome recurring attraction.

While making York look prettier than ever, Bloom! is a particular treat for those creatively-minded folk who are interested in gardening and botany. Rare flowers from all over the world, artfully arranged into charming displays, will be on display in the Minster and at other key locations. Prepare to see York looking its best and taking its rightful place on the horticultural map.

What's on near Bloom!

LiteratureLeeds
Chemistry at The Chemic

Leeds live literature regular Chemistry offers an exciting mix of open mic acts and invited poets – this month the headliners include Rosie Garland.

Free entry
A youth band playing guitars Slam Dunk & Launchpad Youth Showcase
Music
Slam Dunk & Launchpad Youth Showcase

Launchpad & Slam Dunk have teamed up for a new Youth Showcase event, featuring 5 artists all aged 18 and under based in West Yorkshire performing at one of Leeds

From £8.00
Africana and Caribbean Food Fest
FestivalsLeeds
African & Caribbean Food Fest 2025

Calling people of Leeds and beyond! The city’s favourite African and Caribbean Food Fest is back, and this year it’s turning up the heat with Harmony of Colours, a celebration…

Free entry
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Until
MusicLeeds
Sound Out Leeds 2024/25

Leeds International Concert Season is on a mission to push boundaries, expand horizons, and ask the question: ‘What haven’t we heard?’ as it presents its city-spanning Sound Out Leeds series.

From £10.00

Where to go near Bloom!

Guild of Media Arts
York
Guild of Media Arts

The Guild of Media Arts was formed in 2015 as the lifelong custodian of York’s designation as a UNESCO City of Media Arts. Thy run socials, network events and workshops.

York Theatre Royal
York
Theatre
York Theatre Royal

York Theatre Royal has been producing great drama in the beautiful city of York for over 270 years and is one of the country’s leading producing theatres.

House of the Trembling Madness
York
Shop
House of the Trembling Madness

Famed for its unbelievably small kitchen, impressively huge collection of beers, & its rich and varied history, the medieval ale house is also associated with its quirky taxidermy animal collection.

York
Restaurant
Sotano

Sotano, in York, is a divine Mediterranean tapas bar and restaurant, also serving charcuterie boards of the finest ingredients.

York
Bar or Pub
Evil Eye

Evil Eye in York is a cocktail bar focused on embracing the spiritual, and engaging with the community.

Bettys York
York
Café or Coffee Shop
Bettys York

This traditional Yorkshire tea room has beautiful interiors inspired by the Queen Mary ocean liner and it’s been making a splash since 1936.

Guy Fawkes Inn
York
Hotel
Guy Fawkes Inn

Guy Fawkes Inn was built on the very spot where the notorious plotter was born, so it’s perfect for anyone who loves an Inn filled with historical character.

York Art Gallery
York
Gallery
York Art Gallery

York Art Gallery holds seven magnificent, newly-designed galleries that display world-class collections of historic and contemporary art.

Lamb & Lion Inn
York
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The Fat Badger York

The Fat Badger York is a 4 star AA rated Inn rich in old English character. It’s grafted into the city centre walls, not far from York Minster.

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