The annual well-dressing at the parish church of Holywell-cum-Needingworth takes
place on the nearest weekend before 24th June, the day in the Christian calendar
that celebrates the birth of St John the Baptist, our church’s patron saint.
On the Friday of the festival we hold a Service of Well-blessing, usually at 6.30
pm, beginning in the church and ending at the Holy Well in the churchyard, at which
the well-dressing is unveiled. This is followed by refreshments and music, outdoors
in good weather.
Over the weekend visitors can view the well-dressing and the Flower Festival in the
church – flower arrangements are contributed by all the clubs, societies and organisations
in the village. Teas and home-made cake are on offer on the Saturday and Sunday afternoons,
and there is a concert or other musical event on the Sunday afternoon.
Above: Pupils and staff of Holywell C of E Primary School hold their own special
well-blessing service on the Friday afternoon.
Left: The 2023 well-dressing theme celebrated ‘King and Countryside’