Flowers are at the heart of Wild!, and wherever possible the festival is prioritising seasonal and locally sourced materials. At least 50% of the cut flowers used throughout the festival will be British-grown, while 90% of the foliage will be sourced locally. The festival has also committed to avoiding painted, sprayed, bleached or dyed floral materials, instead embracing the colours and textures that nature provides.
A Foam-Free Festival
Wild! will be 100% floral foam free. Floral foam has traditionally been used in flower arranging but contains microplastics and cannot easily be recycled. Instead, festival designers and volunteers are using sustainable alternatives such as floral mesh, reusable glass tubes, floral frogs and recycled containers. This approach reflects a growing movement within the floral industry to reduce waste and adopt more environmentally conscious practices.
Making Every Resource Count
Displays will be cared for using recycled water from Winchester Cathedral, helping to reduce the use of fresh water. Following the festival, water will be reused within the Cathedral grounds. Meanwhile, flowers, foliage and green waste generated during the event will be composted, chipped and reused by the Cathedral’s Gardens Team, ensuring materials continue to have a purpose long after the festival ends.
Sustainable Choices Across the Festival
Sustainability extends beyond the floral installations. The accompanying Home & Garden Festival is being developed with environmentally responsible practices in mind, with a focus on reducing waste and encouraging sustainable products and exhibitors. From minimising single-use plastics to using innovative materials such as compostable ties supplied by FibreStrap, sustainability has been considered throughout the event planning process.
Visitors are also encouraged to travel sustainably where possible. Winchester Cathedral is just a short walk from Winchester railway station, making train travel a convenient option, alongside local bus services and Park & Ride routes.
