The organisers of Southport Flower Show have thanked everyone who made this year’s event such a huge success.
Now they’re looking ahead to the unmissable 100th anniversary event taking place in 2024.
Over 50,000 people visited Southport in August to enjoy the UK’s biggest independent flower show, bringing millions of pounds into the local economy.
They saw stunning show gardens, thousands of floral exhibits, arena events, top chefs in the Cookery Theatre, and more.
Visitors got the chance to meet a whole host of celebrities including Countdown star Rachel Riley, her BBC Strictly Come Dancing partner Pasha Kovalev, celebrity chefs John Torode MBE and Lisa Faulkner along with ITV This Morning chef Phil Vickery, Masterchef’s Gabriella Margiotta, Lizzie Acker from the Great British Bake Off, and Southport TV celebrity Jemma Melvin.
Southport Flower Show. Photo by Gareth Jones Photography
They also gained a wealth of gardening inspiration from top experts including Gardeners’ World presenter Frances Tophill and Katie Rushworth from Love Your Garden, Garden Ninja Lee Burkhill, ‘cloud gardener’ Jason Williams and broadcaster James Wong plus Daisy Desire, the Drag Queen Gardener.
Kids went free as they were entertained by children’s TV star Justin Fletcher, who returned with his acclaimed stage show.
Southport Flower Show and Victoria Park Events General Manager Alan Adams said:
“I would like to say a huge thank you to all our visitors, sponsors, suppliers and volunteers who came to our show last weekend. There are far too many people to thank individually but you all made this show very special and I am so grateful for your support.
“Over 50,000 visitors attended, the weather was kind and the atmosphere was fantastic.
“Not only are we the largest independent flower show in the country, Southport’s largest event and the fourth largest paid event in the Liverpool City Region, we also pride ourselves on being the friendliest show around.
Lisa Faulkner and John Torode at Southport Flower Show. Photo by Gareth Jones Photography
“Anyone who visits, works with us or volunteers is treated as part of the family – this is evident by the feedback from some of our special guests who have never been before, so much so they can’t wait to come back
“Work starts now – it actually started a few months ago! – on next year’s show when we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first ever Southport Flower Show.
“There are lots of corporate hospitality and sponsorship options available. We expect a lot of interest so contact me asap if you want to get involved.
Countdown star Rachel Riley, her BBC Strictly Come Dancing partner Pasha Kovalev at Southport Flower Show. Picture by Gareth Jones
“Finally, none of this would be possible without the support of my wonderful family and my brilliant office and park teams. They worked so hard to make the show happen under difficult circumstances but they smashed it!
“So proud of you all!
“The secret of our success? Simply having a great team who trust and respect each other – all want nothing more than to put on a great show for our visitors.
“We share the same vision for the show and the park which we manage every day of the year, we are also totally committed and very passionate about what we do.”
Carolyn Hardern, Jackie Knight, Frances Tophill and Katie Rushworth at Southport Flower Show. Photo by Gareth Jones Photography
With its combination of garden and floral displays, cookery demonstrations, shopping village, arena entertainment, live music and much more, Southport Flower Show is a great day out for the whole family.
The packed programme of entertainment in the arena includes BMX riders, birds of prey demonstrations and a dog display team. Southport is a dog-friendly event all round with visitors welcome to bring along their well-behaved pets on a lead.
There is also live music all day long on the piazza stage with choirs, ukulele groups and brass bands in the mix.
Visitors who fancied a break from the crowds could escape to the ‘Enchanted Fields Wellness zone’ for a free taster session (at all levels) including yoga, pilates, meditation, sound healing, reiki, and hand reflexology.
Southport Flower Show is held over four days each August in the 34-acre Victoria Park close to the centre of the seaside town.
- The 100th anniversary Southport Flower Show takes place at Victoria Park in Southport on 15th – 18th August 2024. Early bird tickets are on sale now. To book or for more details please visit: www.southportflowershow.co.uk
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