5 reasons to visit Southport Flower Show in its 100th year

IT’S the largest independent flower show in the UK – and this year there’s more reason than ever to put up the bunting and celebrate Southport Flower Show in style as the popular event marks its 100^th year.

As always there’ll be fabulous floral displays and glorious gardens, music and entertainment, crafts and homewares, quite a few famous faces, and an iconic event returning for its special centenary.

Southport Flower Show will take over Victoria Park from Thursday, August 15, to Sunday, August 18, and it’s a mustn’t-miss fixture in the town’s summer calendar.

But if you’re still looking for reasons to visit (although why?!) here’s our fantastic five:

Food glorious food

Food’s always a massive part of Southport Flower Show and this year’s no different. There’ll be live master classes by chef Matt Tebbutt from BBC’s Saturday Kitchen, as well as Phil Vickery from ITV’s This Morning; and there’ll be a delicious 100th anniversary dessert to sample from Southport baker Jemma Melvin who created the official Platinum Pudding for the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee. In the food marquee you’ll be able to sample and buy produce from more than 50 independent gourmet producers, and cookery writer, presenter and Mowgli CEO Nisha Katona will also be showcasing her skills at this year’s show.

Great gardens

Its gorgeous gardens and floral displays have been created by designers and landscapers in a bid to impress the judges – and you – so they’re amazing if you’re looking for inspiration and ideas for your own green spaces, or you just want to enjoy the artistry of these green-fingered greats. One of the show’s highlights is the spectacular Grand Floral Marquee which has a treasure trove of plants and flowers, trees, vegetables, herbs and more, where you can get on-the-spot advice from the people who grew them; while in the Garden Theatre where TV favourite Paul Crone is host you can pull up a chair for the likes of the Skinny Jean Gardener, BBC Gardeners’ World’s Adam Frost, David Domoney from Love Your Garden and ITV1’s This Morning, and Beechgrove Garden’s Carole Baxter and George Anderson.

Entertainment

After you’ve seen the gardens and exhibits, and maybe done a bit of shopping, you can sit back, relax and enjoy the entertainment on offer in the arena, from live music to birds of prey exhibitions, a demonstration by West Lancs Dog Display Team and, back for this year by popular demand, show jumping with champion Geoff Billington. You can even escape to the Enchanted Fields Wellness zone for free taster sessions including yoga, pilates, and meditation.

Family-friendly and fun

Kids under 16 go free to Southport Flower Show when they’re accompanied by a paying adult and there’s no shortage of stuff for them to see and do. As well as arts and crafts activities, much of the action in the main arena is geared towards all of the family, and the centenary event sees the return of children’s TV favourite Justin Fletcher who’s entertained a generation with hit shows like Justin’s House and Something Special on CBeebies.

And there’s so much more

If you like to shop, get on your marks and ready to go because there’s a shopping village with gifts and products from more than 350 exhibitors; and if you fancy treating yourself, what about a bit of afternoon tea in the Summer Pavilion, or a VIP Experience in the exclusive 1924 Lounge with coffees, teas, and pastries, or a three-course lunch with wine and entertainment.