Connection and Community during May Day Festivities
2026’s St Ia Flower Festival, held at beautiful, 15th-century St Ia’s Parish Church, was a big success! Running from Saturday 2nd May to Monday 4th May, it was open daily from 10:00 until 16:00. Visitors were welcome during those hours to enjoy an array of stunning floral displays, as well as several musical recitals. (See below).
A few of the beautiful arrangements this year. (With thanks to Maria Chaffin for photographing.)
This year’s event was special, being the first Festival the church had put on in over ten years. We are honoured to have be a part of it in two significant ways: the church’s kind inclusion of us as donation beneficiaries; and our being invited to contribute an arrangement.
Support for Local Charities
Funds raised will be donated, as ever, to beloved community causes – and we are delighted to have been selected as one of its three 2026 chosen charities! The other two were the RNLI St Ives, and the St Ia Hele Organ Restoration Fund. All three have deep and cherished roots in St Ives, with the Edward Hain and RNLI having an obvious maritime connection. The RNLI go back the farthest; the Hain family’s shipping business being a close second. The St Hele Organ, built almost 120 years ago by renowned West Country organ makers Hele & Co, is not far behind.
The generosity of community members will, therefore, continue to benefit these long-standing St Ives treasures for years to come.
Moreover, St. Ia’s invited us to create a display for the event. Our Community Hub Officer, Claire, having been a florist in a previous life, took up the challenge – and did a fabulous job! ‘Health, Wellbeing, Care‘ . . . That says it all. The floral EHC, as well as being our initials, also feels like a wonderful tribute to our namesake, Captain Edward Hain.
We’re grateful to have been part of such a lovely event. All the displays at the Festival demonstrate how community spaces can bring people together in glorious colour and celebration.
Musical Recitals
In addition to floral displays, visitors could also enjoy a rich programme of live music held within St Ia Church:
🔹 Saturday 2nd May featured a piano recital by Taylor Williams (1:15–2:00PM), followed by an Evening Choir Concert with St Ia’s Choir and Kernow Voices (7:00–9:00PM).
🔹 On Sunday 3rd May, Choral Evensong (5:30–6:45PM) gave a peaceful and reflective end to the day.
🔹 Monday 4th May concluded the festival with an Organ Recital by Jeffrey Williams (2:00–2:45PM) celebrating the historic instrument at the heart of the church.
Families, friends, residents and visitors alike visited, enjoying flower displays and music, and soaking up the atmosphere. Our grateful thanks and appreciation to St Ia Church for including us.
