THE Southport Flower Show was in full bloom over 19 to the 22 August on Victoria Park. The show, despite the weather trying to put a damper on things at the start, was as successful as usual. Tourists from all over the UK and other parts of the world joined locals to talk about the displays and walk around the massive gardens and tents, full of exotic and local plants. The Southport Flower Show, unlike most big shows, is not run by the Royal Horticultural Society, and because of this, may not always receive the credit that it deserves. So it was fantastic to hear from people that they now regard this as one of the best shows in the UK. At this year’s show, we interviewed a lot of the customers and they rated it, as good as or even better than the more well know shows, we include a sample of people’s comments below. The show has been going for 75 years now and has changed dramatically from its humble beginnings as a small show to what it is today. Celebrities now vie to get in! At this year’s show were Nigel Colborn, David Bellamy, Jennie Bond, Roy Lancaster, Prof Stefan Buczazki, Anne Swithinbank, Chris Beardshaw and Roddy Llewellyn. Others were at the show, but unofficially. 

The weather caused lots of problems for visitors on the first two days of the show, but Saturday was to bring fresh air and welcome sun to the occasion. Sunday, despite the doom and gloom of the forecast, was also a fantastic day and the rain, thankfully, held off. 

We have done our best to photograph the atmosphere and will let the photographs tell you the rest of the story. Also play our new video of the show that can be found at the end of the pictures. We will be adding more pictures over the next few weeks and adding on the panoramic tour, a special page dedicated to the show.

If you did not get along to this years amazing display, then we would recommend you do next year. You can find out more by visiting the Flower Show’s web page at www.southportflowershow.co.uk.’ Next year’s show will be held on the 18 to 21 August ‘05. Don’t forget it, it too will be a blooming good success.

The vast majority of comments we elicited at the Southport Flower Show last week were very favourable. We spoke to people of all ages, from near and far, some seasoned veterans, some first timers. This celebratory year has certainly been a winner. Here is a selection of comments made, beyond those who said, "It's great" and "I'm really enjoying it." 

A person from Southport remarked that we appreciate all the hard work, which has gone into the show; we especially like the big displays.

Visitors from Manchester said, "This is the last day and its great. The first day must be so impressive", and, "It's a marvel people can do so well!   It's knowing what goes together so well and what colours to plan.  A lot of thought has gone into the exhibits. It's a credit to them."

A regular visitor to the show from Cleveland stated:- "Very good. We've come every year for 7 years. The weather hasn't put me off. We look for new ideas and appreciate all the work. It takes a long time to develop and plan such exhibits."

Someone from Warrington remarked:- "It seems quieter this year and possibly less show gardens, but its as good as ever. More 'laid back' than Tatton Park. The two shows are different enough so you can enjoy both North West shows".

A Liverpool visitor said:- "All very interesting. I came many years ago then returned with my cousin and we've come for the last 7 years. There's always something different to see. We make a family gathering of the event." Another stated:- "We've really enjoyed the day. The displays, the bands and the general atmosphere, everything. Despite the weather the ground is OK. We appreciate the boarding! Some more in the tents would have been great, but it was a tremendous effort and we appreciate it all."

Comments from a Barnsley man, "Alright.  The show ground branches off, by the sculpture area which isn't a good idea. Should keep it all together.

 

The displays are as good as any we've seen, Tatton Park is no better. There's good and bad to all, but I did get a special plant, a pink (eremus?) which I can't get anywhere else."

FOR lots more comments... OVER 200 PHOTOGRAPHS, that's 35 pages... full of pictures of the show and we also have a special video, as well as links to last weeks report on the show.... Please click here

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