Settle Flowerpot Festival Finale Fun Day 14th September

All good things must come to an end, and as summer fades, so too does one of the quirkiest and most creative events in the UK. The Settle Flowerpot Festival, a brilliant and slightly bonkers display of community art, is getting ready for its final bow. For weeks, the town has been decorated with hundreds of amazing creations made from, you guessed it, flowerpots. But time is running out to see them in their natural habitat. Visitors have a last chance to follow the trails before the big finale brings everyone together for one last celebration. It's an important event for the whole community.

Your last chance to wander the trails

Picture this: you're strolling through the lovely town of Settle, and instead of just seeing hanging baskets and window boxes, you spot a postman, a famous cartoon character, or maybe even a whole scene from a film, all cleverly built from terracotta pots. That's the magic of the flowerpot trails. For the past few weeks, these fantastic exhibits have been dotted all around the town, surprising and delighting visitors at every turn. It's like a giant, open-air art gallery where the whole community gets involved.

But this isn't going to last forever. The final day to follow these wonderful trails is Sunday, 7th September. After that, the hardworking volunteers will begin the big job of carefully gathering all the flowerpot creations from across the entire width of the town. This is the last opportunity for visitors to experience the festival as it's meant to be seen - a discovery around every corner. So, if you've been meaning to go, now is the time to grab a map and get exploring before these charming characters disappear from the streets. It's a fantastic day out for families and anyone who loves a bit of creative fun.

The grand finale fun day

So, what happens after all the flowerpot people are gathered up? They all get together for a massive party, of course! On Sunday, 14th September, everyone is invited to the Finale Fun Day at the Potting Shed at Watershed Mill. And the best part? Admission is completely free. The event runs from 10am to 4pm, making it a perfect day out. This isn't just about seeing the flowerpot creations one last time; it's a full-on community celebration. The day will be filled with stalls run by local community groups, so you can pick up some unique crafts or tasty treats while supporting a good cause. Providing a brilliant soundtrack to the day will be the Settle Brass Band, whose performances are sure to add to the festive atmosphere. For anyone who missed some of the exhibits or just wants to see their favourites again, this is a golden opportunity. Many of the flowerpots will be on display together, creating a brilliant chance to take photographs of all the weird and wonderful characters in one place. It's the last hurrah before the creations are either packed away for next year or dismantled, ready to be reimagined for another festival. The Fun Day is the perfect end to a wonderfully barmy summer event.

Art, poetry, and a tiny gallery

Every year, the festival seems to get bigger and better, and that's all down to the amazing volunteers who pour their hearts into it. This year, the festival welcomed a new volunteer who brought a unique talent with her. Jan Jack, a retired poet, speaker, and comedian, recently moved to Settle with her husband Alastair and immediately got stuck in. She has written special verses to go alongside some of the exhibits around the town, adding another layer of charm and wit to the already delightful creations. The festival's creativity isn't just out on the streets, either. It's also being celebrated in what is claimed to be the smallest art gallery in the world. Settle's Gallery on the Green, a repurposed traditional red phone box, is currently hosting a special exhibition all about the Flowerpot Festival. The gallery has put together a collection of photographs that show the 'behind the scenes' work that goes into making the 200+ flowerpot exhibits. It gives a glimpse into the sheds and workshops where these fantastic creations come to life, showcasing the incredible effort and community spirit that makes the festival possible. It's a fascinating look at the art behind the fun.