Cathedral marks 300 years since Lisburn fire

Friday May 18th 2007

The Rev William McMillan, renowed flower arranger. Lisburn Cathedral is hosting a flower festival from October 25 until October 28 marking 300 years since the town was destroyed by fire.

April 20, 1707, was a quiet Sunday morning in Lisnagarvey. Some turf ashes silently drifted onto the wooden roof of a house, and the blaze quickly took hold.

Within hours, the town was in blackened ruins, along with its church. Families were left homeless and destitute.

Lisburn was reborn after the tragedy of 300 years ago, and is today a city. The mark of the fire remains – Lisburn's symbol includes a phoenix.

Lisburn Cathedral is marking the events of three centuries ago with 'Out of the Fire', a flower festival marking 300 years of praise and worship at the church.

The floral arrangements are being masterminded by the world-renowned Rev William McMillan, with the help of Ballymacash Flower Club.

The festival runs from Thursday to Sunday and includes a series of church services. Entry is free but donations are welcomed, with funds raised going to extensive church refurbishment work and to help the people of Yei diocese in the south of Sudan, who themselves are just emerging from the flames of conflict.

A flower arranging demonstration by Rev Mac on the Saturday afternoon will be by ticket only.

For more details, contact Lisburn Cathedral church office, Castle Street, Lisburn, on 028 92 602 400, or email office@lisburncathedral.org or contact the website, www.lisburncathedral.org. A brochure advertising the festival can be downloaded here.