ORGANISERS of the Tavistock Garden Festival in May are hoping to spread the theme town-wide this year, with a floral art fringe event.

The plan is to make the town looking blooming lovely with displays in retailers' windows, public locations and even private residences.

The inspiration for the idea comes from the 'Sloane in Bloom' show during Chelsea Flower Show week, and the 'Blooming Hills' event run in conjunction with the Royal Horticultural Society's Malvern Flower Show, both of which have been initiated to promote the area and create a community event.

Tavistock Town Council's garden festival in the pannier market on May 24 and 25 is now in its fifth year and each year it is more and more popular with both visitors and exhibitors.

Debbie Ashton, town council office administrator who is helping to organise the event, said: 'This year we thought we would try the floral art idea for a week, starting on May 23.

'The main purpose being a community event to publicise Tavistock and help draw in as many visitors as possible.

'Also with many folk worried about the current turbulent times, a floral art show would definitely be uplifting for all.

'We are putting out a call for as many retailers and organisations as possible to take part.'

Displays can be as simple as tin cans filled with garden flowers — they do not need to be elaborate and costly.

If the idea takes off there could be more fringe events at the garden festival next year.

To express your interest or for more details contact Debbie at the town clerk's office on 01822 613529.