It may be one of the largest independent shows of its kind in the country, but Southport Flower Show is about so much more, as the tens of thousands of visitors that come each year will attest to.
Alongside the grand floral displays and glorious gardens, visitors will discover food and drink, celebrity guests, a pop-up shopping village and a packed programme of entertainment.
This year the show, sponsored by the Seventy Ninth Group, is celebrating 100 years and around 55,000 people are expected to get inspired, seek advice and enjoy all it has to offer over the four days it takes place at Victoria Park.
Alan Adams, general manager of Southport Flower Show, said: “All of us involved are aware of the special place it has in the town’s history and we are proud to be putting together the centenary show.
“We know that our visitors this summer will have a fantastic day out and we look forward to celebrating with everyone.”
What can you expect?
Stunning Grand Floral Marquee and Inspirational Show Gardens
Head to the Grand Floral Marquee where you will discover a treasure trove of plants and flowers, trees and shrubs, vegetables and herbs and a whole range of more unusual specimens.
The Show Garden displays are a highlight of the show, created by designers and landscapers who are competing to impress the judges and provide a feast for the eyes, offering inspiration to transform your own green spaces at home.
If you want to become more green-fingered, then there are plenty of opportunities to get advice from trade exhibitors and the experts, including Adam Frost of Gardeners’ World, Carole Baxter and George Anderson of Beechgrove Garden and ITV’s This Morning resident gardener David Domoney.
And if you want to encourage your children to get involved, then Skinny Jean Gardener Lee Connelly who is well known on CBBC and Blue Peter will be showing visitors how easy gardening can be for families.
What’s more, under 16s get in for free with a paying adult.
Food and drink
Take a seat in the cookery theatre and enjoy masterclasses by the likes of chef Matt Tebbutt from BBC’s Saturday Kitchen, Phil Vickery from ITV’s This Morning and Nisha Katona, founder of Mowgli, TV presenter and food writer.
A 100th anniversary dessert has been created by Southport baker Jemma Melvin, who created the Platinum Jubilee pudding and will be available to sample.
Brian Mellor will also be providing inspiration with his live cooking demonstrations over the weekend. This year’s Cookery Theatre is sponsored by Lancashire Tea and Nationwide Produce.
There is also a bustling food marquee where you will find more than 50 producers and you can sample and buy a whole range of products.
Shopping and entertainment
There is a packed events programme each day of the show, including live music on the Piazza Stage, arena displays and the Enchanted Fields with pilates, reflexology, somatic work, children’s mindfulness and glitter face painting.
Children’s TV favourite Justin Fletcher will be performing at 11am and 1pm in the Garden Theatre on the Sunday and there will be a demonstration by British showjumper Geoff Billington on Saturday and Sunday and a performance by the West Lancs Dog Display Team.
The pop-up shopping village features more than 350 diverse trade exhibitors and is packed with everything you could want for your home and garden, with a range of unusual and unique products.
Head to the Honey marquee where you can watch a live demonstration of honeybees performing a “waggle dance” or buy a range of beeswax and honey products.
Well behaved dogs on leads are welcome to the show and waste bins and water bowl stations will be across the site.
Tickets start from £24 for early bird discounts, with children under 16 going free with a paying adult. There are also a range of VIP hospitality passes, Ladies Day and afternoon tea packages. A gala preview evening will be on August 14.
