THE traditional curtain-raiser to Southport Flower Show took place last night, as nearly 300 guests enjoyed the charity gala dinner.
People attending the event in a marquee at the showground could look forward to being the first people to see the magnificent displays, especially in the Grand Floral Marquee.
Three-time world gymnastics champion Beth Tweddle was the special guest at the glamorous event, which was raising cash for Alder Hey children’s hospital’s Imagine Appeal.
Organisers were aiming to repeat the success of last year’s event when £4,000 was raised.
Fundraising will receive a boost as Barclaycard has promised to match every penny made at last night’s event.
The show gets into full swing today and about 70,000 people are expected to come to come along and see the 1m blooms on display at the Victoria Park spectacular over the next four days.
Former Atomic Kitten star Liz McClarnon is one of the special guests today, along with David Bellamy.
