Feeling festive

Looking forward to the Festival its Rector, Rev Pat Storey, talked about all the plans for the special event.

“We are so fortunate to live in a city with so much history. St Columba is one of the most famous saints to be associated with the city and St Augustine’s is delighted to celebrate his life. Our Footprints of St Columba Festival is going to be one more attraction for our neighbours in the city as well as the many tourists who walk our ancient walls. We give a warm welcome to them all,” she said.

As well as being able to view the beautiful floral decorations created by the Londonderry Floral Arts Society there will be an opportunity to have morning coffee or afternoon tea.

Pop-up shopping has also come to St Augustine’s Church. The parish has opened its very own pop-up shop. Pop-up shops are a relatively new phenomenon in retailing. In essence a pop-up shop is a small retail space that appears in an unexpected place to sell something that is catching the imagination of visitors.

The pop-up shop is located in the church porch. It will sell products that show St Augustine’s history in an imaginative and contemporary way. Many of the products on sale will bear a brand new church logo that draws its inspiration from the architecture of the centuries old church building, but with a contemporary twist.

The new St Augustine’s logo is tastefully put on everything from Mouse-mats made from recycled tyres to T-shirts, mugs and backpacks. Any of these products will make ideal keepsakes for any visitor.

The Festival of Flowers will take place from Friday 10 to Sunday 12 June. A warm welcome is offered by the parish to all their neighbours in every part of the city. It is advisable for groups that wish to visit to book in advance. They can do so by ringing 028 71301611.