Southport Flower Show Review by Sophie Swain Stand Up For Southport
The rain didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits on the first day of the 100th anniversary Southport Flower Show on Thursday (15th August 2024).
Being a first-time attendee and not knowing much about flowers or growing vegetables, I didn’t know what to expect.
However, as soon as I stepped into Victoria Park, I knew there was something for everyone.
Said by the show’s compere himself, Paul Crone, Granada Reports star, “Everyone’s welcome here at Southport Flower Show.”
Southport Flower Show. Photo by Gareth Jones Photography
That was definitely the spirit as he began by getting people to dance and sing to Sweet Caroline, kickstarting the fun day ahead.
From old to young people still came out in large numbers, despite the bad weather – ponchos and wellies at the ready.
Sheltered from the rain the Floral Art Marquee was the showstopper for me. From mini floral art to eccentric rustic displays with grapes and vegetables, the talent was outstanding. Those looking around even had a chance to vote for their favourite.
Then into the Grand Floral Marquee where huge displays towered the marquee which had three rooms, all unique and creative in different ways.
Adele Roberts at Southport Flower Show. Photo by Gareth Jones Photography
Legendary Flower Show gardener Alan Foxall, who has been creating displays at the Show since the 1960s, created a 100th celebration dinner piece, incorporating a tribute to Elsie Dot Stancombe, Alice da Silva Aguiar and Bebe King who lost their lives during a tragedy last month. He displayed birthday presents and even a table set up for a grand tea party.
On the other side, Robinsons Seeds and Plants from Preston displayed memorabilia from the first-ever Southport Flower Show in 1924. The family business has been exhibiting and winning awards since the very beginning. They won a Large Gold Medal award for their impressive vegetable display this time, with ‘many heritage varieties reflecting the past’.
Matthew Smith from Brighter Blooms also won a large gold medal for his impressive display of flowering bulbs and Southport’s very own Friends of Rotten Row took away silver for their colourful show garden.
The amateur tent saw a variety of fruits, vegetables, flowers and more, proving that anyone could give growing a go.
Michaela Strachan at Southport Flower Show. Photo by Gareth Jones Photography
Though the show wasn’t just about flowers, it was the community spirit which really made it a special day. There were hundreds of local stalls, food vendors and crafts. Fresh pots of honey, flower crowns, watercolour paintings and clothes – anything you could think of!
Not to mention the entertainment from the Ukulele Buddies, Livvy K, Singing Our Socks Off Choir and more who provided a happy and upbeat soundtrack to the day.
Robinsons Seeds and Plants from Preston with Carole Baxter and George Anderson of Beechgrove Garden at Southport Flower Show. Photo by Gareth Jones Photography
Special guests Michaela Strachan, Carole and George from Beechgrove Garden, Saturday Kitchen chef Matt Tebbutt and show opener Southport-born Adele Roberts made the day extra special. They shared their expert knowledge, life experiences and memories of the show.
Of course, with it being a 100th birthday celebration there were also nods to history throughout. A picture wall displaying images from 1924 to the present day and old posters which had been preserved in The Atkinson Museum.
James Comish wins Best In Show at Southport Flower Show. Photo by Gareth Jones Photography
All in all, I will definitely be revisiting the show. It is not one to be missed and has managed to spark my interest in growing.
As people say, ‘it’s always sunny in Southport,’ let’s just hope it is next time.
- For more details and tickets for Southport Flower Show please visit: www.southportflowershow.co.uk
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