Preparations for this year’s Spalding Flower Parade are in full swing as more than a million tulips are being meticulously picked by a dedicated team of volunteers. The vibrant blooms, considered waste from tulip bulb production, are being gathered over two days with the assistance of a group of enthusiastic volunteers, generously donated by a farmer from Norfolk.
Originally inaugurated in 1959 to honor the region’s flourishing flower cultivation, the annual parade recently made a triumphant return last year following a decade-long hiatus. Spearheaded by devoted volunteers, including Stephen Timewell, the revival of the festival has been met with immense community appreciation.
Reflecting on the significance of the event, Stephen Timewell emphasized, “The Spalding flower parade is just iconic – so when we lost it, it was heartbreaking. It’s part of our heritage – but more than that, it brings the community together.”
Ahead of the parade scheduled for May 11th and 12th, Mr. Timewell revealed that a dedicated team of 30-40 volunteers is diligently removing the heads off an impressive array of up to one-and-half-million tulips. These blooms will then be stored in cold storage facilities to later adorn approximately 60 floats themed around movies, featuring iconic figures like King Kong, Wonder Woman, and the Sound of Music.
Furthermore, many of the original floats from the parade’s heyday in the 1970s and 1980s have been lovingly restored by a committed team of volunteers. These floats, discovered in various states of disrepair across council yards, garden centers, and overgrown fields, hold a special place in the hearts of locals.
Stephen Timewell recounted one remarkable find, sharing that “one float had even been found with a tree growing through it.”
The Spalding Flower Parade, deeply entrenched in the area’s history, remains a cherished tradition for many, drawing visitors from across the United Kingdom and evoking nostalgic memories of childhood for countless individuals.