The 80th Southport Flower Show - Part 1
20 August to 23 August, 2009
Photographs by Patrick Trollope.

THE general impression of most people was that although Southport had, once again, rightly and proudly, presented its Annual Flower Show, it seemed rather smaller than last year's Capital of Culture effort, maybe, but still well worth visiting. There was all the expected of exhibits from people of all ages, including the excellent children's and young people's gardens. Displays were produced by professionals and amateurs, and by societies and individuals.

The overall theme was the 1920's, which the outdoor display gardens and the indoor exhibits well captured, including great interpretations, two by Sefton and Liverpool City Councils and two by HM Prisons (Kirkham), with Buster Keaton and Thorncross, the Mob! The marquees and ground were bursting with floral and fruity abundance, both in straight displays or artistic interpretations: all of which indicated the dedication and skilled care given by many exhibitors. Judging must have been so very difficult! Also there was a veritable treasure trove of goods on offer, from those in the Rural Crafts tent to numerous vendors of sculpture, garden equipment and items associated with gardens, various kitchen gadgets, plants, farm and garden produce along with other items of rather more tentative associated with gardens, but still of interest. The local charities were also represented, and the Army Benevolent Fund had collecting boxes out on the final day. The Children's Area was well used and there was a good choice of venues to eat and drink.

In the arena, fascinating events took place including those involving animals and birds, which are always very popular. Entertainers circled the grounds adding to the general merriment while the Bandstand provided ongoing amusement and entertainment. A very interesting addition, this year, was the introduction of a Sunday Church service by Southport Churches Together, accompanied by the stirring Salvation Army Band at which every seat was occupied with more people standing.

Last, but not least, were the well known and respected faces who are faithful patrons of the show, Professor David Bellamy OBE, Professor Stefan Baczachi and Sir Roddy Llewellyn along with the legion of behind the scenes workers who have worked so hard to make the show so successful, including the long suffering bus drivers who plied to and fro and coped with the walking gardens who flooded the buses when the show closed. Here's to next year!

To view our other reports from the show, please click on here.  To see our video reports taken at this show, click on here.

Please note that due to the amount of pictures taken, we will have more photographs in next weeks issue, but for now please enjoy our photographic coverage in this weeks issue.

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