THREE-hundred devoted volunteers have been busy preparing for a colourful festival at an historic landmark.

Thousands of flowers have been arranged and installed within Winchester Cathedral for Cascades - which will build on the success of 2013's Symphony of Flowers which attracted 16,000 visitors.

Under the helm of artistic director Hans Haverkamp the four-day festival includes both contemporary and traditional designs, which he hopes will 'surprise, overwhelm and lift people'.

The Wessex and Jersey Area of the National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies (NAFAS) is staging it.

Chair Mala Williams said: "The flower festival is such a fantastic event for us.

"It’s absolutely wonderful to watch this sea of ladies working with thousands of pounds worth of flowers, generously provided by the cathedral, and transforming them into really beautiful floral designs."

Outside the cathedral, in Inner Close, there will be a summer market with hand-picked exhibitors and floral displays in a marquee.

New features this year include ‘Potting Sheds’ and workshops.

Cascades runs from June 24-28.