WATCH: Southport Flower Show gets set to wow Victoria Park once again this month

It’s the largest independent flower show in the UK – but Southport Flower Show is so much more than just blossoms and blooms.

It has got the grandest floral displays and glorious gardens – including, this year a showpiece, first-ever Menopause Garden, Circles of Strength, exploring women’s health and wellbeing – which will be absolutely stunning and well worth a visit. But that’s only a part of Southport Flower Show, which is about to take over Victoria Park from August 17 to 20.

“We’ve got entertainment, food and drink, celebrities, and guests coming every single day,” says Alan Adams, general manager of Southport Flower Show.

“It’s not just about flowers – and that’s something we need to get over.”

Food plays a big part of Southport Flower Shower. There will be cookery demonstrations from some well-known chefs including This Morning’s Phil Vickery, and John Torode and his actress wife and Celebrity Master Chef winner Lisa Faulkner, alongside local stars like Gabriella Margiotta from Cucina di Vincenzo and Great British Bake Off’s Lizzie Acker, and more.

There’s a shopping village with more than 350 exhibitors selling a whole range of products and gifts from garden and home wares, to crafts and leather goods, jewellery, and plenty of delicious food.

Live music will be available to enjoy throughout the festival, and there’s a packed programme of entertainment from BMX riders, and birds of prey demonstrations to a fabulous dog display team event. And there’s a special kids zone with crafts and activities to keep the younger members of the family happy (keep a lookout too for TV’s Justin Fletcher, aka Mr Tumble!).

It’s going to be busy and buzzing throughout the four-day event, although visitors who fancy a break from the crowds can escape to the Enchanted Fields Wellness zone for free taster sessions of yoga, pilates, meditation, sound healing, reiki, and hand reflexology.

“You can have a great day out for the whole family,” adds Alan. “We’ve got a miniature railway here this year, food and drink to keep you and the kids fed and watered – (we’re liking the afternoon tea in the Summer Pavilion) – and – again – loads of entertainment for everyone from 18 months to 108!”

Tickets start from £25 for a full day pass or £80 for a four-day patron pass; and you can even enjoy a VIP experience for £119 which allows you to relax and savour fine food while soaking up the atmosphere from the exclusive 1924 Lounge: “It’s a bit of luxury in our VIP marquee,” adds Alan, “and a chance to be treated and looked after, and to enjoy the show from a different aspect.”

Kids under 16 go free.

“It’s the best show flower show around. There’s something for everyone.”

So if you’re looking for a day out with friends, somewhere the kids will love while they’re off school, or even somewhere to indulge in a bit of ‘me’ time with lots to see and do – Southport Flower Show is the one to get in your diary.