garden / FOOD / leisure
Ticket Hotline
0844 847 1555
Vintage
18th-21st Theme
august
...with Celebrity Gardeners & Chefs
Entertaining Inspiring Surprising
Surprising
www.southportflowershow.co.uk Southport Flower show is a registered charity; its main fundraising event is the annual show. Registered Charity Number 1000698 Registered Company Number 2103365
Southport Flower Show is a treasured event in the national calendar. At the outset, the sole focus was on pure horticulture, and that’s still at the very heart of what the show’s about, but it’s also developed into a more urbane and modern occasion in recent years. What people love about Southport is that while there are always show gardens, flowers, plants and horticultural competitions, the wide range of entertainment, fantastic food, demonstration kitchen, bees and honey, talks, lectures, celebrities, live music – even a cinema in a bus – no two years are the same. Each year we set a theme for the show. The theme in 2011 is “VINTAGE” – the best ideas, images, icons and inspiration from the 50s, 60s and 70s are woven into the show. This show guide can only give you a flavour of what Southport Flower Show has to offer.
Designed by Kenyon Fraser www.kenyonfraser.com
Visit the website www.southportflowershow.co.uk for more details or buy a ticket and come and see for yourself – we’re sure you’ll be entertained, inspired and surprised.
Southport Flower Show – Opening Times Thursday 18th August
9am to 6pm
Friday & Saturday 19th & 20th August
10am to 7pm
Sunday 21st August
10am to 5pm
www.southportflowershow.co.uk
Buying a ticket for the show in advance is the most economical way to visit the show. You can use the ticket on any day so you have all the flexibility you need if your plans should change for any reason. Advance Day Ticket
Tickets & Times
Day Tickets 0844 847 1555
£16 each
Please note booking and postal fees apply
Buying a ticket at the gate on the day of your visits Day Ticket Concession Day Ticket Children under 16 years of age are admitted free of charge
£21 each £18 each
Friend’s Badges 0844 847 1555 A Friend’s Badge gives you entry over all four days. You have exclusive access to the Friends’ Pavilion with executive facilities and a show programme will be sent to you before the show. Friend’s Badge 2 Friend’s Badges - purchased at the same time
£45 each £85 in total
As a Friend there are no additional booking or postage fees to pay.
VIP Experience 01704 547 147 A VIP Ticket gives you priority access, morning coffee, a three course silver service lunch with complimentary bar and, later in the day, a delightful afternoon tea; you will also rub shoulders with our Celebrity Patrons and Special Guests in an exclusive marquee. VIP Day Ticket
£95 each
Merseyrail & Northern Rail promotion Apply at any Merseyrail station within Merseyside, or Northern Rail station within Greater Manchester, for an all-inclusive ticket for travel, bus link from Southport station and entry to the show – all at a discount price.
Inspiring Show Gardens One of the most popular attractions at the show is the spectacular show gardens. Every year, a host of innovative designers and landscapers use their considerable talents to turn simple plots into dazzling horticultural showcases.
Vintage
Theme
Prize winning gardens
Talk to the experts
Every year, we challenge the show garden exhibitors to translate the show theme – VINTAGE – into prize winning gardens. And if you are looking for a garden designer or landscaper for your garden project, there’s no better place to come and see practical examples of their work, talk to the experts about your project and ideas and choose a designer or landscaper that is right for you.
Show Gardens
The diversity, creativity, knowledge and skill of the exhibitors is inspiring and will leave you bursting with ideas about how to transform your own garden, whatever its size or shape.
Grand Floral Marquee
The Grand Floral Marquee is the traditional heart of a flower show and Southport is no exception. Expert and professional growers of a wide variety of flowers, plants and vegetables from all over the country compete to create award winning displays. They are also on hand throughout the show to share their passion for growing, to answer questions and to encourage visitors to purchase high quality plants and seeds direct from these expert growers. In addition, the Lecture Theatre has a programme of in depth talks and demonstrations throughout all four days. From chrysanthemums and cacti to begonias and bonsai, the Grand Floral Marquee is a must for everyone visiting the show.
“There’s nothing quite like the Grand Floral Marquee – it’s a flamboyant celebration of excellence under one roof,” says Show Patron, Professor David Bellamy, OBE.
Amateur Competition
Amateur Competition We are proud to host the largest Amateur Growers Competition in the country with over 370 classes and hundreds of individual entries. The competition is open to anyone willing to compare the results of their gardening efforts with like-minded and talented people.
Plant Societies The tradition of gardening and love of plants that is found throughout the country has given birth to many plant, garden and horticultural societies. A visit to the Plant Societies section is sure to stimulate your interest, answer all your questions, encourage you to become an active member and – you never know – enter the Amateur Competition yourself next year!
Professor David Bellamy OBE
My love of Southport
On my first visit to Southport I was a bit worried because my particular brand of botany was all about wild weeds, not the highly cosseted ones that were on show. What an eye opener though, crowds of people all potty about plants. I have been going there ever since.
Diarmuid Gavin
Southport is the perfect place to be Southport Flower Show is a unique event in a magical location. It’s my very favourite flower show – exciting but utterly unpretentious. I think that’s partly because it’s independent – it ploughs its own furrow and manages to encapsulate all that’s best in England.
One of Britain’s most distinguished media gardening experts with a huge following of devoted fans who appreciate his knowledge, authority and easy, relaxed style of communicating. Stefan travels widely but every time, when he returns to Southport, he says this is one of the highlights of his year.
Sir Roddy Llewellyn
Southport is the best flower show in the country I always relish the opportunity to meet people who share my passion, which is why I’ve been coming to Southport Flower Show for the past decade or so. The warmth of the people in Southport is famous. I am always made to feel very much at home. I do hope you’ll join me this year – I look forward to talking with you about your garden!
Celebrity Patrons
Professor Stefan Buczacki
Food Glorious Food olde taste of good If you long for th nd a te ages, the bi fashioned saus the or , se quality chee u’d texture of real yo t er ss avour of a de r, fo scrumptious fl ch ot n your belt a happily loosen t. summer trea you’re in for a ort Flower llage at Southp try’s leading un In the Food Vi co e host of th Show, a whole and drink producers will be od delights. independent fo t of culinary as fe a g in id prov en nstration kitch rquee, the demo Ma od Fo e ng th In l chefs creati lebrity and loca will present ce gourmet treats . The range of delicious dishes ude quality d buy will incl an le mp sa to e availabl and pickles, fish, chutneys ed ok sm s, at me cheeses, and liqueurs. s, tasty beers puddings and pie to try some ge is the place The Food Villa the country in e od availabl fo st ne fi e th of ll follow their ng visitors wi and we’re hopi ds will be their taste bu noses to where . amply rewarded
Food
Floral Design
Floral Arts Competition Floral art has evolved to become an exciting element of home design. Produced by Southport Flower Show and supported by the National Association of Flower Arranging Societies, the Floral Art Marquee is a breath taking display of floral creativity, wonderful displays and examples of what can be achieved in floral design. The busy demonstration area is a must for anyone looking for inspiration and wanting to learn how to improve their own skills.
Contemporary Floral Design Competition
The National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies (NAFAS) is dedicated to promoting the art of flower arranging through education and events. www.nafas.org.uk
After the success of 2010, the Contemporary Floral Design competition returns with more classes and more exciting displays. Aimed at encouraging a more avant-garde and design-led approach to floral exhibits the competition has been specifically created to stretch the imagination, skills and talents of the exhibitors and to allow more design flexibility.
The competition, which is open to amateurs only, offers cash prizes to three age groups: 10 to 16, 17 to 54 and 55s and over – in three categories: plants, garden views and wildlife in the garden.
The West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity is pleased to sponsor this competition as part of its ‘Supporting the Community’ Scheme.
Be Part of the Show
Stefan Buczacki Photography Competition
Arena Entertainment
The Arena is the place for excitement and spectacle and in 2011 we have an almost completely new line up of top talent. Knights of the Damned
Fully caparisoned horses and riders, displaying split second timing, will demonstrate horsemanship and weapon skills of the highest order with all the pageantry of old England. www.theknightsofthedamned.co.uk
The Drakes of Hazzard
Highly trained dogs will put, not so highly trained, ducks through their paces for everyone’s amusement. The show will entertain, enthral, enchant and educate any audience. www.drakesofhazard.co.uk
Ben Potter’s Hawk Experience
Flying displays and demonstrations focus on the birds being the star attraction. Each team of six birds, Eagles, Vultures and Owls will offer a show different to any other you may have seen! www.birdsofpreydisplays.co.uk
H&M Dog Display Team
The handlers and dogs, pedigree and crossbreeds, including several rescue dogs, have entertained our visitors for many years. Thrill to the fire sequences and the arrival of the Hot Dog Fire Brigade. www.thehandmdogtrainingcentre.co.uk
A more relaxed and chilled area where you can sit and unwind for an hour or so listening to some of the best summer afternoon music. Morecambe Band
Are an award winning hard working Lancashire band with a delightful repertoire. www.morecambebrassband.co.uk
Kings of Rhythm
The Great American Songbook is brought to life by the coolest guys in town. It’s as if Frank, Dean and Sammy were at the show!
Biddulph Male Voice Choir
Making a welcome return in 2011 to entertain and charm. The choir has won a high number of accolades and awards. www.biddulphmvchoir.co.uk
Bluebells Steel Band
Soft Caribbean rhythms float from the bandstand to captivate and beguile you as you pause on your visit to the show and take time out.
Around and About Musical Ruth Back by popular demand; an amazing mobile piano driven around by a madcap nun who will stop and entertain any group of people using comedy patter, hilarious dance moves, sound effects and unusual renditions of all your favourite songs. www.musicalruth.com
Family Fun
The Bandstand
Grow Your Own There’s a revolution taking place We are becoming a nation of food growers again! More and more of us are discovering the benefits of growing our own produce, and Southport Flower Show is here to help you get started or help you improve. The show has a wealth of reputable trade exhibitors selling quality seeds, sets, saplings, locally grown plug plants and cutting edge gardening equipment, and you’ll have unrivalled access to plenty of down to earth advice. The Liverpool Allotment Association will be creating an allotment garden, featuring practical examples, so you can see how easy it is to start to grow your own. Even if you only have space for a couple of small containers, you can learn how it can be done from the friendly experts who will be on hand to offer encouragement.
“There’s nothing quite like eating food that you’ve grown, fresh from the ground that day - the taste is out of this world!” Dave Morris: National Association of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners
Everyone should be aware of the plight of Britain’s bees; the bee population is in alarming decline and fewer bees mean less pollination and less honey.
In the honey section you can find out what bees do and why they are vital to us all. You can also sample a delicious variety of honeys and a wide range of products made from it. Bee keepers and enthusiasts will be on hand to answer questions and provide advice.
Honey & Herb
The Honey Section
The Herb Section
Herbs now play a greater part in our lives than they have for more than a century. In the herb section you will find herbs of all kinds displayed and for sale, as well as related products such as soaps, perfumes and oils.
Shopping With over 400 individual trade stands selling everything from plants and garden furniture to food and fashion the flower show is a unique shopping experience that exists for only four days every year. It’s like a pop up shopping mall – the Trafford Centre in a park. We have two marquees full of arts and crafts from across the country. We have garden sculpture from Zimbabwe. We have household furniture, kitchen equipment, solar panels. We have cars and caravans. And a whole host of unusual, surprising and unique products for you to browse and buy.
Tickets on sale now ÂŁ65.00
Preview Evening Wednesday th 17 August 2011
To book a ticket please contact Concept Communications on
01704 549190 or email gala@concept-communications.com