Southport Flower Show 2026 - Part 1
Photographs by Patrick Trollope.

THE Southport Flower Show was held over:- 20 August to 24 August 2026. The 1st day was exceptionally damp, with very low numbers attending, but the new flexible day ticket system meant the other days were at capacity and successfully mitigated financial losses from the very wet opening day. The 1st day was not the only casualty of the weather, as displays were smaller than normal due to the exceptionally hard growing conditions for flowers in 2026, but what was on show was of an exceptionally high standard. The show had lots of interesting things to see and do as well as the floral attractions.

This year's Grand Floral Marquee had fewer large displays, but despite challenging spring weather, exhibitors participating this year delivered stunning arrangements, particularly across native perennials, dahlias, and delicate bonsai exhibits.

Live culinary sessions, gardening talks by guest experts, and family entertainment all helped to keep crowd engagement high across the final 3 days.

If we forget the day of downpours, the warm, sunny weather on the other days and the successful changes meant the atmosphere was extremely friendly and lively on the 3 other days. Even on the day with the torrential downpours, those attending all seemed to still enjoy what was on offer.

In our view, the show has rediscovered its charm and spark, solidifying 102 years of tradition at:- Victoria Park. Looking ahead to 2027, organisers aim to expand covered arena space to protect against unpredictable August weather while building on 2026's strong weekend turnout. We also hope that Southport Flower Show Ltd manages to bring back the bigger-name gardeners and outdoor displays that the show has built its name on, which it says it will be pressing hard to do in 2027.

More photos can be found on the next:- ?? pages within this edition. Lots more will also be on within the following edition in Part 2 of our coverage of this amazing annual horticultural show...