If you haven’t been to Taunton Flower Show before you may be unaware of what you have been missing.
Many of you will have heard people talking about the show, which is supported by Somerset Life, or you will have seen the park being transformed over two weeks in the summer. But what is really going on behind those fences?
This year the show is being held on Friday 4th and Saturday 5th August and really has something for everyone. You don’t need to be a gardening enthusiast to appreciate the many delights around the showground, though if you are, there’s also plenty for those with green fingers! Set amongst the stunning backdrop of Vivary Park, it’s a great day out for everyone!
Taunton Flower Show is in its 192nd year and continues to be run almost entirely by volunteers. First held in the assembly rooms in Taunton in 1831, the show moved to Vivary park in 1851, and has continued to grow and is the oldest Flower Show in the country.
The show provides a perfect day out for those wanting to keep the whole family entertained. For a taste of the action, watch the arena acts performing, with entertainment this year including The BMX Show, who put on a fantastic show in our arena 2019. Also joining the arena entertainment line-up is Nick Gregory’s Misselchaulke Gundogs and Nicky De Neumann’s fantastic Horse display. The main music stage will be positioned in the Artisan Village, in Wilton Lands, and will be hosted by local radio station Tone FM. Just a few of the musical acts delighting audiences over two days are Dean Dyson, The Brass Junkies, Batala, and the Rock Choir.
The Competition Marquee has always proved extremely popular with large displays of photography, baking, craftwork, home grown fruit and vegetables and floral arrangements. This year, there are fantastic opportunities to try, even if you have not entered before. In the display classes this year will be clubs and groups showing their talents with a display called ‘The Market Stall’. There will also be classes hosted in conjunction with the Rose Society. The competition schedule is available on their website or can be picked up at Taunton Visitors Centre & Monkton Elm Garden Centre.
Horticultural enthusiasts will have plenty to discover including the Plant Village and Floral Marquee where you can pick up some great advice from the many experts on hand, do a spot of shopping, admire the fantastic floral displays and gardens as well as find a real bargain. Following on from their fantastic tribute to the Bellman’s in 2022, Monkton Elm will be delighting visitors with a fantastic display in the Floral Marquee. It is something not to be missed.
There’s also an abundance of stands selling the latest garden accessories, gadgets and machinery, or pop along to vote for your favourite Designer Garden, built especially for the show, these small and beautiful plots are a great way of showing what can be achieved in a small space and built in a matter of days!
Catering areas at the show will provide a good mix of freshly prepared local food and drinks, so many treats to be had,, so pack your appetite, or perhaps your own picnic. Wessex Water will be providing a free water point at the Show, so remember your drinks bottle too
A great spot for the family to visit is the Children’s Village with an abundance of free entertainment and activites to keep the little ones amused, from face painting to crafts and shows, there is also a baby changing and feeding area, it’s one area parents really need to head to.
The Honey Show will be doing their ever-popular Bee Demonstration, giving visitors a chance to find the Queen Bee, or taste some honey and watch a demonstration of a beekeeper going about their daily work.
The Artisan village highlights and promotes local designers, artists, makers and food traders, who will display their handmade and locally sourced products. The Rural Crafters have always been popular with demonstrations, this year will includ blacksmiths, sculptors and upholstery experts. . Watch the craftsmen hard at work, they will be available to take commissions and will be selling their beautiful products. All of this will be located in Wilton Lands & alongside the main entertainment stage, it makes the Artisan Village a place to be at the 2023 Show.
Organisers are keen for the public to get involved in making this long running show a success. Volunteering 2 hours of time will give you free entry into the show so why not join the best team of volunteers in the county to keep this historic show running smoothly. There is also a chance to flex your green fingers in the Ready Steady Garden competition, where 4 teams will be tasked with creating a delightful planter in a tractor tire.
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
WHEN: August 4 – 10.30am-6pm (members can enter from 9.30am). August 5 – 9.30am-5pm
WHERE: Vivary Park, Taunton WEBSITE: tauntonfs.co.uk
TICKETS: Tickets are available from the website . Children go free with a paying adult. Tickets can also be purchased at Taunton Visitors Centre.
HOW TO GET THERE: Park and Ride services in Taunton stop about a five minute walk from the park. Council car parks are also available.
VOLUNTEERING: if you wish to volunteer at the show, please email volunteers@tauntonfs. co.uk or download a form from the website.
COMPETITIONS: Have a look at the competition schedule on the website and get involved by entering a competitive class.
MEMBERSHIP: If you wish to take advantage of both days at the show and other exciting benefits, consider membership, which also helps to support the charity who run the show. Memberships can be purchased through the website.
