Spend a day in the Fens and visit one of the finest flower festivals in England, but there is also so much more to see and do in Wisbech, especially during Rose Fair.
The town is ideal for a day out or a short break. The historic centre of Wisbech has a wide range of shops and a bustling market on Thursday and Saturday. On the Friday of Rose Fair there will be a Continental Market.
During the Rose Fair (Wednesday to Saturday), the church of St Peter & St Paul is open most days until 8pm. A preview evening is held on Tuesday 1 July from 7.30 to 9.00 with music from the Jazzmin Dixieland Band (free entry). Choral evensong is held daily at the church from Wednesday to Saturday at 4.30pm. On Sunday a Civic Service is held at 10.00am and Songs of Praise at 6.30pm.
Lunches, teas and strawberry teas are served throughout Rose Fair in the church hall and marquee at St Peter & St Paul's.
Entertainment during the Rose Fair includes performances of music-making and dance by children from local schools in the gardens of Wisbech Castle, a few steps from the church. In the car park on Saturday there will be a display of historic vehicles including the veteran Wisbech fire engine "Vivian". A programme of concerts and events during Rose Fair for 2008 includes the Norfolk Street Fun Day on Saturday with stalls, games, face painting, food and drink.
The other town centre churches are also open with displays and are all within a few minutes walk of the main car park.
Wisbech Baptist Church
Hill Street (off the Horsefair Shopping Centre)
Flower festival theme - 'Beginnings and Endings'
Church open Wednesday - Saturday, 10.00am - 5.00pm
Admission free, all welcome
Tel 01945 583967
United Reform Church
Castle Square
Flower festival theme - biblical
Organ Music - visiting organists daily
Bric-a-brac on sale
Church open Wednesday - Friday, 12 noon - 5.00pm, Saturday 9.30 am - 4.00pm, short epilogue on Sunday 4.30 - 5.00pm
Tel 01945 461782
Trinity Methodist Church
Church Terrace
Flower festival theme - 'Proverbs and Sayings'
Church open Wednesday - Saturday, 9.00am - 5.00pm
Souvenirs, crafts, cards. Lunches, teas and light refreshments available each day
For bookings Tel 01945 580906
Other attractions around the town include:
* Peckover House and Gardens (National Trust)
* Wisbech & Fenland Museum
* Octavia Hill Birthplace Museum
* Elgood's Brewery & Garden
* Wisbech Castle (a Regency villa), gardens and pump room
* The Angles Theatre
* The Lilian Ream Collection
Lunches and light refreshments are available at Peckover House and Elgood's Brewery Visitor Centre.
On Rose Fair Saturday a grand parade of floats organised by the Round Table tours the town at 11am and 2.00pm. The theme of the Parade for 2008 is "Famous Books and Authors".
