Step this way for show’s ‘magical botany tour’

Aug 16 2007 by Liza Williams, Liverpool Daily Post

Alan Foxall pictured next the Sefton Council bedding display at the Southport Flower Show _320

TICKET sales are up and the weather forecast is bright for the opening of Southport Flower Show today, as it celebrates its 80th birthday.

The show, this year with a musical theme, is being officially opened by Gloria Hunniford and promises to more colourful and varied than ever.

Events will be running until Sunday at the site on Victoria Park, including a presentation by celebrity gardener Diarmuid Gavin, to design competition winners and a visit from festival patron David Bellamy.

Chairman of the show Ray Roykin said: “Advanced ticket sales are well up and the weather forecast is good so it should be a great festival.

“The wet weather has not really affected us because when the marquees were put up it was warm and dry.

“A lot of the show is also under cover.

“I have wandered around the site every day since set up started and it is looking fantastic.

“There are lots of new additions this year – including a sculpture by artist Lisa Cheung and a children’s area.”

Award winning artist Ms Cheung has created a centrepiece for the festival in conjunction with Greenland Street Gallery in Liverpool, which incorporates produce from local gardeners and residents. The work consists of a pink and brown structure with windows in it, in which to place the donated goods.

Ms Cheung said: “The gallery wanted to do a project with the festival and I came up with the idea in March.

“The piece is called Summer Palace and I asked allotment holders and people who can grow fruit, vegetables and plants to contribute – I do not have green fingers.

“The show is mostly about competitions and professional work, so it is good to have a focal point that has partly been produced by local people and given out of kindness.”

Last night competition entrants were still busy putting the final touches to their work, which varies from flower growing to the creation of larger exhibits. Contributors had travelled from far and wide to the festival, which draws in thousands each year.

Pete Moth, chairman of the Southport-based National Bonsai Society which is showing in the amateur exhibits tent, said yesterday: “I think it will be a great festival this year. We come every year to show people that anyone can grow Bonsai, it is not some mystical art. There is such variety and we think our stand will look brilliant once we have finished the display.”

The Sefton Council-backed exhibit, which is competing with other local councils for an award, is a homage to The Beatles entitled Imagine.

The piece travels though all stages of The Beatles’ career and includes the zebra crossing on Abbey Road, a white piano and the Cavern.

Alan Gosling, who conceived it, said: “It took about a month to get together and we have been here a week and a half setting it up.

“It is like a magical mystery tour”.

lizawilliams@dailypost.co.uk