A FLOWER festival is set to return to the coast this weekend.

The Festival of Flowers and Bells at Bradwell will take place on Saturday, Sunday and bank holiday Monday. The event is being staged at St Thomas’ Church.

A spokesman said: “There will be many large flower displays illustrating different types of music.

“Bells will be rung and the organ will be played to make this grand event.

“Lunches and teas will also be available.

“The event is to raise money for the church organ, built in 1840, and now needs a complete clean and restoration to extend its life for another 100 years.

“It is considered a very fine instrument, which is suited for its role in the church and is considered well worth preserving.

“We have an excellent group of flower arrangers who arrange flowers in the church each week and at all the church festivals.

“We also have beautiful flower festivals on special occasions.”

The church organ was originally built by Theodore Charles Bates, of Ludgate Hill, London.

Since then, an ongoing programme of work has been needed to maintain it.

The last major restoration of the instrument was by Cedric Arnold, of Thaxted, in about 1927.

Opening times are 9am to 6pm on Saturday and Monday, and noon to 6pm on Sunday. Tickets are £1 and include a programme.