New figures released today show Southport Flower Show as the fourth biggest paid attraction event in the Liverpool City Region – with Sefton events taking three of the top five slots.
The Annual Visitor Attractions Survey showed that 50,000 visitors enjoyed the spectacular four-day festival at Victoria Park in Southport last year, bringing millions of pounds into the local economy and supporting the resort’s hotels, guest houses, restaurants, shops and bars.
The 2023 Southport Flower Show returns from Thursday 17th August to Sunday 20th August with tickets now on sale here.
Southport Air Show, which is back this September, was fifth in the list with 32,000 visitors last year, showing the importance of top events to the economy in Southport.
The Grand National, held at Aintree Racecourse in Sefton every April, was top.
It shows the strength of Sefton as a place for hosting some of the UK’s top events.
Latest stats for the Liverpool city region show the visitor economy is now worth over £5bn surpassing the pre-pandemic high of £4.98bn in 2019.
Liverpool City Region Events & Attractions (Source: Annual Visitor Attractions Survey):
Top events Attendance 2022 (Top Paid Attractions)
1 – Grand National, Aintree – 139,209
2 – Liverpool International Music Festival – 85,000
3 – Creamfields – 70,000
4 – Southport Flower Show – 50,000
5 – Southport Air Show – 32,000
The countdown is now on for the 2023 Southport Flower Show with celebrity guests including Rachel Riley joining thousands for a family day out by the seaside.
TV presenter Rachel and her BBC Strictly Come Dancing partner Pasha Kovalev will be among the star turns at this year’s show which opens on Thursday 17th August 2023.
Southport Flower Show
Southport is the UK’s largest independent flower show and is famous for its stunning show gardens, grand floral marquee and keenly contested amateur competitions.
Visitors can enjoy a wealth of gardening inspiration from top experts including Gardeners’ World presenter Frances Tophill and Katie Rushworth from Love Your Garden.
They are joined by Garden Ninja Lee Burkhill, ‘cloud gardener’ Jason Williams and broadcaster James Wong plus Daisy Desire, the Drag Queen Gardener.
And in the demonstration kitchen will be celebrity chefs John Torode MBE and Lisa Faulkner along with ITV This Morning chef Phil Vickery, Masterchef’s Gabriella Margiotta and Lizzie Acker from the Great British Bake Off.
Kids go free to Southport Flower Show and younger visitors will be entertained by children’s TV star Justin Fletcher, who is returning with his acclaimed stage show.
Lee Connelly, also known as the Skinny Jean Gardener, will be encouraging younger visitors to get involved with family gardening as he entertains visitors.
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.
Alan Adams, General Manager of Southport Flower Show, said: “It’s been 99 years since the first Southport Flower Show, but our talented team never fails to come up with new ideas to delight our visitors. This year we’re sure that everyone who comes to Southport will find something that makes their day special.”
Southport Flower Show runs over four days from Thursday 17th August to Sunday 20th August 2023 and is held in the 34-acre Victoria Park close to the centre of the seaside town.
Tickets are £28 on the gate but buy in advance for an early bird discount with tickets purchased before 11.59pm on Wednesday 16th August available for £25.
There is a £10 saving on gate entrance price available exclusively to Southport residents living in the PR8 and PR9 postcodes with tickets available here.
The Blades at Southport Air Show
Thousands of aviation lovers and visitors are expected to descend on the resort for the 2023 Southport Air Show and tickets are already being snapped up ahead of the weekend, which takes place on Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th September.
The Red Arrows, who will appear on Saturday 9th September, have already been confirmed along with the teeth-rattling RAF Typhoon, on Sunday 10th and inspirational Battle of Britain Memorial Flight for both days.
For more information including how to purchase tickets please visit www.visitsouthport.com
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