SWEET scents and graceful harmonies filled the over the weekend as St Mary’s Church at Lydiard Tregoze hosted a flower and music festival to raise funds for a new sound system.

Twenty-four stunning flower arrangements were on display at the church with each one representing the different times and seasons of the church calendar, from Advent through to Easter.

The festival started at 10.30am on Friday July 1 with an open rehearsal by the Lydiard Park Academy Choir and finished with a choral evensong at 6pm on Sunday.

The Reverend Clive Deverell, of St Mary’s, said: “Everyone has done a fantastic job to make this festival happen and we’re grateful to all those who have been involved.

“There has been a wide variety of people doing the flower displays, including amateurs who have never done anything like it before.”

The church is looking to raise enough money to install a new sound system due to various technical problems with the one currently in use.

Festival goers were also treated to strawberry teas in the church café and a wide array of musical performances from local musicians and singing groups.

Jacqueline Kirwan, festival organiser, said: “It seems to have been very successful. We’re hoping to raise around £1,000 for the sound system and with strawberry teas on offer as well, we’re confident we’ll do well.”

Some of the flower arrangements were put together by pupils from local schools, with Tregoze Primary School offering a display representing the Ascension, Westlea Primary School with a piece showing the Trinity and Brook Field Primary School with a display representing Easter.

The church also invited guests to view its wild flower garden, which contains around 50 different species of wild flower.

Marcus Lane, 79, of Lydiard, said: “It gives us a great sense of community, not just in the church but in Lydiard as a whole.”

Wife Jane, 70, added: “I think it’s lovely, absolutely beautiful.”

Music over the course of the weekend was provided by Nicola Hoar and Claire Beaton on the church organ, St Mary’s Ukuleles playing popular songs and Saturday night saw a Times and Seasons Concert by Strictly Recorders and Wentworth Voices.

Eileen Huck, 72, of Toothill, said: “I think it’s wonderful, all the flowers are gorgeous and it’s very difficult to choose which is the best. The music is lovely and really adds somethings special.”

Paula Roach, 50, who played the flute on Saturday afternoon, said: “It’s a pleasure to be here today to provide a bit of music for people as they look at the displays and arrangements.

“It has been such a wonderful occasion and the acoustics in the church make us sound great.”

Mr Deverell thanked the festival’s sponsors Asda West Swindon, John Pearce Funeral Services, St Mary’s Bell Ringers and the Lydiard Park Gardening Team for all their support.

There was a competition for the best flower display and the winner will be announced at next Sunday’s service.