Flower show blossoms

Aug 20 2007 by Liza Williams, Liverpool Daily Post

Flower show blossoms

SOUTHPORT Flower Show weekend ended yesterday having seen tickets sales up 40% on last year – despite the weather.

The show, which attracted the best numbers for many years on Friday and high numbers throughout the rest of the event, is now looking forward to 2008 and the Capital of Culture.

The show chairman Ray Roukin said last night: “It was a super show, from the opening on Thursday to today.

“On Saturday it rained so there were 20,000 people crammed in the marquees, but everything held up and spirits were high.

“We have had e-mails from people saying they will definitely be back next year and praising the facilities available for children.

“Plans are now under way for next year. The theme is horticulture, to mark Liverpool Capital of Culture Year and it is also the year Open Golf comes to the town, so it should be a great year for the region.

“We have a new chief executive, David Jackson, who is coming from Edinburgh, and that is very exciting.

“We drew in a great crowd and on Friday saw the best ticket sales for years, 40% up on last year. It has been damp, we cannot deny that, but this is England and you cannot let a bit of rain affect the event.”

The event also attracted a number of stars and one of the key events was Bellamy’s Budding Gardeners competition on the final day.

This year 12th Fairfield Scout Troupe, Liverpool and Whalley Guide & Scout Group, Clitheroe, drew and were congratulated by show patron David Bellamy.

The show was also visited by several other stars, including Gloria Hunniford, who opened the event, and celebrity gardener Diarmuid Garvin, who is now a patron.

New additions to the show this year included a Ladies’ Day on Friday, which will be brought back next year after all 200 tickets were sold.

Organisers say they are planning to double the size of this part of the event next year.

A children’s area was also created, named the Kidz Kr8 Marquee, where youngsters could learn about fresh produce and the outdoors.

Mr Roukinsaid: “We are always thinking of new ideas for the show and how to change it around. We will have a week off and then back into organising next year’s show.”

lizawilliams