Southport Flower Show paid partnership
The gates will open at 10am this Thursday 20 August) for the Southport Flower Show 2026 – here’s all you need to know about this year’s event.
Sponsored by Ramsay Health Care, the show sees the town’s 34-acre Victoria Park transformed into a horticultural haven bursting with colour, celebrities, live entertainment, a children’s trail, food and drink, and shopping.
When is Southport Flower Show 2026?
The four-day event runs from Thursday 20 August to Sunday 23 August 2026.
Southport Flower Show is the UK’s largest independent flower show, and organisers are gearing up to welcome more than 50,000 visitors.
Show times are 10am to 6pm Thursday to Saturday, and 10am to 5pm on Sunday. Children under 16 go free when accompanied by a paying adult.
Excellent accessibility
Victoria Park has wide walkways and a level surface, providing excellent access to all parts of the show. A large part of the show is undercover, designed to be enjoyed whatever the weather.
Seating is located across the showground, with food and drink available. Well behaved dogs on leads are allowed.
Registered charity
Southport Flower Show is a registered charity. Any profit generated is reinvested into Victoria Park to pay for its maintenance all year round.
Celebrity guests
Celebrity horticultural guests include Adam Frost, Joe Swift and Arit Anderson from BBC Gardeners’ World; Lee Burkhill from Garden Ninja and BBC Garden Rescue; BBC Springwatch’s Iolo Williams and Megan McCubbin; and gardening experts Martin and Jill Fish.
Visitors will also be entertained by Strictly’s Anton Du Beke; This Morning TV chef Phil Vickery; TV personalities Rob Rinder, Su Pollard, and Mr Motivator (Derrick Evans MBE); and Candice Brown, winner of Great British Bake Off.
Live entertainment for youngsters includes children’s TV presenters Andy Day, Justin Fletcher, and Lee Connelly.
Celebrity guests will also meet visitors at signing sessions hosted by Waterstones Pop-Up Book Festival – a welcome return after a successful first visit in 2025.
A packed programme features celebrity guest Q&A sessions in the Garden Theatre hosted by Kevin Duala from BBC Radio Merseyside; live demonstrations in the Cookery Theatre hosted by Briony May Williams from Great British Bake Off and Escape To The Country; and live music performances on the Piazza Stage; and an outdoor show arena hosting dog display teams, birds of prey, and horse shows.
This year’s headline sponsor is Ramsay Health Care. Travel partner Merseyrail, and show sponsor Smooth Radio. The Cookery Theatre is sponsored by Nationwide Produce and Viners.
Leanne Lucas and Phil Vickery issue Let’s Be Blunt message
Leanne Lucas from the Let’s Be Blunt campaign will be joining television chef Phil Vickery during his demonstration at 2pm on Friday 21 August by. Leanne founded Let’s Be Blunt to raise awareness of knife crime, and campaign for safer knife design and change. Phil will be using rounded-tip knives sponsored by Viners. Viners will also be providing all chefs demonstrating with a set of new blunt-end knives.
Cookery Theatre chefs
Local chefs and venues hosting live cookery demonstrations in the cookery theatre include Bacchus-UK and Churchtown Deli, Boho Baker Debby Donnelly-Addison, Cake Corner, Dishoom Permit Room, Dunkenhalgh Hotel, Farmhouse Kitchen, Hayley Tully, JT Akshaya, Lagom Bakery, Municipal Hotel, Penelope’s, Southport College, The Lansdowne Bistro, Tik Taco, Volare, and Wild Root.
Horticultural highlights include spectacular award-winning show gardens, grand floral marquee, amateur grower and plant society exhibitors, floral art and raised bed displays, and displays from local schools and charities.
Red Devils Parachute Display Team
The world-famous Red Devils Parachute Display Team will perform a spectacular display at 12pm on the first day of the show (Thursday). The team will descend into Victoria Park, landing on a designated area adjacent to the Southport Flower Show showground (weather permitting).
The Red Devils will then remain at the show for approximately two hours, giving visitors the opportunity to meet the parachutists and take photographs.
LFC Foundation brings Champions League Trophy
The LFC Foundation, official charity of Liverpool Football Club, is attending all four days of the show hosting a striking 8ft LFC Foundation flowerpot installation complete with free LFC Foundation seed packet giveaways; sports activities including golf and tennis; and LFC memorabilia prize draws and mystery boxes.
The LFC Foundation will also be offering exclusive photo opportunities with the UEFA Champions League Trophy. Interactive sports activities with the team will take place on Thursday and Friday only (August 20 and 21).
Lots for children to enjoy
A new free children’s trail was launched last year – and it makes a welcome return for 2026 featuring more activities. Trail maps are available at the entrance gates or from the information stands located across Victoria Park.
Highlights in the trail include Natterjack Alpacas from Ormskirk; doodle wall; meet Squirrel the Shetland Pony (Friday and Sunday only); beehive and honey marquee; tennis skills with Sam Jalloh; Forest School supported by Gang Of Elk; Scarecrow Maze sponsored by Waterstones; and The Kids’ Potting Shed supported by Rotary Eco Group.
New Lakeside Reset
Another new addition for 2026 is The Lakeside Reset, a wellbeing and mindfulness zone to support anyone needing a peaceful space to relax and recharge.
Located in a huge teepee, The Lakeside Reset is hosted by Sharon Stock of Dairy Holistic Hub and supported by Wild Thang. A full programme of sessions for all ages features yoga for beginners, Kidz Fun Fitness with Kinetics, meditation, and sound baths.
Mr Motivator will be at The Lakeside Reset at 12.45pm on Sunday (23 August). Derrick Evans MBE built a loyal following through his energetic television fitness routines over 30 years ago – and he continues to inspire audiences through his trademark positivity, resilience, and belief that it is never too late to move, change, and feel good.
Derrick is the founder of Mr Motivator’s Bed Bank, a charity tackling bed poverty and supporting children and families who do not have access to a safe and comfortable place to sleep.
Speak Their Name Memorial Quilt
Speak Their Name Memorial Quilt is a poignant display at Southport Flower Show. The quilts are a moving tribute to the lives of over 800 people lost to suicide. Every specially made square has been lovingly created by family and friends to celebrate a life. The exhibition aims to encourage reflection, compassion, and open conversations around suicide and bereavement. The quilt is currently touring the country.
New Buskers’ Corner Stage
The Buskers’ Corner Stage is another new addition for 2026. Talented musicians were invited to come forward and apply for a slot. Moonlight Events is supporting the new stage, encouraging the next generation of talent with a platform to showcase their talents.
Alan Adams, General Manager of Southport Flower Show, said:
“Southport Flower Show 2026 has arrived – and we cannot wait to throw open the gates and welcome everyone to this year’s show. We strive to improve and build on the success of every year, and we’re incredibly excited and very proud of what we have in store for our thousands of visitors across four days.
“Spectacular show gardens, huge floral displays, cookery displays, celebrity guests, impressive programme of live entertainment, extensive free children’s trail, food and drink, and hundreds of retail stands – the show really does cater for everyone.
“This is one of the busiest weeks throughout the year in Southport, and the town always works so hard to offer visitors a warm welcome and memorable experience.”
The celebrity guest programme includes:
Thursday 20 August – Adam Frost, Iolo Williams, Megan McCubbin, Lee Burkhill, Briony May Williams, Martin and Jill Fish.
Friday 21 August – Arit Anderson, Rob Rinder, Su Pollard, Phil Vickery, Briony May Williams, Martin and Jill Fish.
Saturday 22 August –. Anton Du Beke, Joe Swift, Candice Brown, Andy Day, Briony May Williams, Martin and Jill Fish.
Sunday 23 August – Joe Swift, Mr Motivator, Lee Connelly, Justin Fletcher, Briony May Williams, Martin and Jill Fish.
Visitors travelling to the show by train can make a saving – discounted tickets are available at any Merseyrail ticket office.
Full details can be found at www.southportflowershow.co.uk
Flower Show ticket saving for Southport residents
Southport residents (PR8 and PR9) can save £12 on gate price tickets through buying at these local outlets (proof of address required, final day Wednesday 19th August 2026):
The Atkinson (Lord Street, Southport town centre)
Waterstones (Chapel Street, Southport town centre)
Busy Body’s (Birkdale Village) – cash only
Checkers (Churchtown Village) – cash only
Lions Charity Shop (Ainsdale Village)
Children under 16 go FREE with a paying adult.
Full details can be found at www.southportflowershow.co.uk
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