Norwich has bloomed into colour this week thanks to the return of a centuries-old floral tradition.

Norwich Evening News: Anne Falgate, Cupcake & Co owner in Upper St Giles, with the floral inspired creation at the shop for the Florists' Feasts. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYAnne Falgate, Cupcake & Co owner in Upper St Giles, with the floral inspired creation at the shop for the Florists' Feasts. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant 2021)

While the weather has been somewhat more grey, garlands and floral displays have decorated shops and businesses as part of a flower festival which began over the first May bank holiday weekend.

Norwich Evening News: The Florists' Feast display at John Lewis in Norwich.The Florists' Feast display at John Lewis in Norwich. (Image: Chris Harvey/Norwich BID)

Led by the Norwich Business Improvement District (BID) and Visit Norwich, it is inspired by the Florists' Feast, a tradition from almost 400 years ago which saw the city decorated with flowers.

People would enjoy feasts, entertainment and bought and sold plants.

Norwich Evening News: Florists' Feast at Courage and Noble in Norwich.Florists' Feast at Courage and Noble in Norwich. (Image: Chris Harvey/Norwich BID)

The first of the events took place in the city 390 years ago, on May 3, 1631, but it proved so popular it became an annual event run by the Norwich Society of Florists.

Businesses have got into the spirit of the festival this week, including Waterstones on Castle Street and Cupcake and Co on Upper St Giles.

Norwich Evening News: Florists' Feast in Norwich, outside Cupcake and Co on Upper St Giles.Florists' Feast in Norwich, outside Cupcake and Co on Upper St Giles. (Image: Chris Harvey/Norwich BID)

Norwich Evening News: Spring garlands in Upper St Giles Street in Norwich.Spring garlands in Upper St Giles Street in Norwich. (Image: Chris Harvey/Norwich BID)

Norwich Evening News: DIY store Thorns' Florists' Feast contribution.DIY store Thorns' Florists' Feast contribution. (Image: Chris Harvey/Norwich BID)

Norwich Evening News: Flowers at the Yorkshire Building Society in Norwich as part of the Florists' Feast festival.Flowers at the Yorkshire Building Society in Norwich as part of the Florists' Feast festival. (Image: Chris Harvey/Norwich BID)

Norwich Evening News: Flowers at The Tannery as part of the Florists' Feast.Flowers at The Tannery as part of the Florists' Feast. (Image: Chris Harvey/Norwich BID)

Norwich Evening News: Lisa Angel has taken part in Florists' Feast.Lisa Angel has taken part in Florists' Feast. (Image: Chris Harvey/Norwich BID)

Norwich Evening News: Flowers in the Norwich Lanes as part of the Florists' Feast.Flowers in the Norwich Lanes as part of the Florists' Feast. (Image: Chris Harvey/Norwich BID)

Norwich Evening News: Flowers in the Norwich Lanes during the Florists' Feast event.Flowers in the Norwich Lanes during the Florists' Feast event. (Image: Chris Harvey/Norwich BID)

Norwich Evening News: The Florists' Feast was a centuries-old tradition which took place in Norwich every year.The Florists' Feast was a centuries-old tradition which took place in Norwich every year. (Image: Chris Harvey/Norwich BID)

Norwich Evening News: A garland on St Giles Street in Norwich.A garland on St Giles Street in Norwich. (Image: Chris Harvey/Norwich BID)

Norwich Evening News: Flowers in Norwich.Flowers in Norwich. (Image: Chris Harvey/Norwich BID)

Norwich Evening News: Flowers at Flicka in Norwich as part of the Florists' Feast.Flowers at Flicka in Norwich as part of the Florists' Feast. (Image: Chris Harvey/Norwich BID)

Norwich Evening News: Flowers outside Jarrold in Norwich.Flowers outside Jarrold in Norwich. (Image: Chris Harvey/Norwich BID)

Norwich Evening News: Flowers at Waterstones in Norwich.Flowers at Waterstones in Norwich. (Image: Chris Harvey/Norwich BID)