14 February 2010
Craft Traders Announced for 2010
Taunton Flower Show has now booked all the craft traders for 2010. This year, not only will craft traders be present in the ever-popular craft marquee, but we will also have traders in a new riverside location. In all, there will be 26 traders in the marquee and 10 along the riverside.
The show is always very careful to ensure we have a wide range of different traders, and this year these range from decoupage and soap through to organic skin care and home made bags.
The full list of traders can be seen on our craft traders page.
31 December 2009
Competition Schedule for 2010 published
Taunton Flower Show has published the competition classes schedule for 2010. This year sees a further expansion in the range of classes offered. For the first time there is a class for floristry students and - another first - we have included two classes for orchids which we anticipate will see some spectacular displays. For the very youngest competitors we are again running the fancy dress competition, this year on a “wild west” theme.
The schedule can be downloaded from the website or a copy can be requested by post. If you entered the show in 2009 or gave us your name and address at the show then you will be posted a hard copy as soon as they are printed in early January.
We look forward to seeing you at the show!
2 October 2009
Gift Membership of Taunton Flower Show available for 2010
If you are looking for the perfect gift for someone special, either as a treat or for a birthday or christmas gift, why not Membership of Taunton Flower Show? This enables you to create your very own red letter day and to give someone a fabulous day out at the show. Not only will they be able to visit the show on both days free of charge, but will also be able to enjoy use of the exclusive member's parking, marquee and facilities, receive newsletters and be eligible for an invitation to the post show members' supper (an extra charge applies for the supper and the entertainment.)
Applying for gift membership could not be easier. Visit our membership page and read all about it!
23 August 2009
Taunton Flower Show organisers report record breaking results
Good weather and an exciting programme of entertainment resulted in the largest number of visitors to Taunton Flower Show in recent times, organisers have declared.
Over 14,000 people enjoyed the colours and attractions of the annual horticultural extravaganza and were blessed with two days of sunshine after one of the wettest summers. High attendances were matched by a record number of competition entries, which at 2,146 were 360 more than the previous year.
One outstanding highlight of the show was the return of military musicians with The Band of the Corps of Royal Engineers performing five times in the course of the two-day event. The contribution of gifted vocalists added a special dimension to the extended Beating Retreat ceremony on Friday night. During the performance a collection was taken for the work of the Help the Heroes Charity which raised over £3,500.
The pirate-themed activities for children proved a hit with many youngsters winning prizes for their imaginative costumes and treasure-hunting prowess. The involvement of large birds of prey, Heaven’s Gate rescue dog display team, a Sea Cadet Brig in full sail and the daredevil antics of motorcyclist Jason Smyth in the arena drew huge crowds of all ages. Full details of the floral and craft competition winners are available from the competitive classes page
A partnership between Taunton Flower Show and OrchestraWest and Amici Choir reintroduced a Prom to the Park after an absence of several years. The event was immensely popular, attracting a crowd of over 600 who enjoyed a varied selection of music culminating in the rousing strains of traditional patriotic tunes, which helped to conclude a very successful weekend on a high note.
Show Chairman, Lt. Col. Bob Homeshaw, expressed his own satisfaction with the event, saying, “It has been a fantastic show. All the elements combined to ensure that every visitor, whatever their age, had plenty to enjoy. I must pay tribute to the army of volunteers who give up their time freely to make the event happen. We always welcome new faces to the team and will be pleased to hear from anyone who wants to help us make the 2010 show even better.”
Building on the experience of a show for once not dogged by bad weather, the organisers are already working hard to plan for the next Show which will take place in the town’s Vivary Park on Friday and Saturday 6 & 7 August 2010. Requests for stands from traders and charities usually outstrip the limited space available thereby ensuring those who are invited to participate maintain a high standard. Anyone interested in being considered should contact the Show Secretary soon on 0845 438 1958.
7 August 2009
Flower Show opens in the sun
Taunton Flower Show opened to sunshine and enthusiastic crowds today. The crowd was thrilled by the Jason Smythe Adrenalin Tour, the Royal Engineers Band and Chris Donovan’s eagle and vulture show. The competitive classes results and the cups were announced. These can be downloaded from the competitive classes page.
The weather looks set fair tomorrow when the gates open to all at 10am. In order to ease traffic congestion, you are encouraged to make use of the Silkmills Park and Ride scheme to get to the show.
The innovative Ready, Steady Garden Competition was won by Rosemary and David Freemantle amd the winner of the designer gardens was Fiona Johnson and David Stubbins.
2 August 2009
Competitive Classes Flourish
Vivary Park is now undergoing its annual transformation for Taunton Flower Show. The huge Competition marquee and the impressive floral marquee are now up and are accompanied by the craft marquee, members tent and for the first time, the new wine club marquee. Competitive entries closed at mid-day on 31 July and we are please to announce that this year is yet another record- breaking year with more than 2150 entries in the competitive classes from a staggering 405 competitors. This is 400 entries more than last year with an extra 50 people taking part, many for the first time. The entrants range from scout and brownie packs through allotment holders, photographers and wine makers to the highly skilled floral art entrants. Competitive entries coordinator, Ian Coleby, said "We are hugely pleased at the level of competitive entries this year. Entries in the children’s classes are more than 100 entries higher than last year which is hugely encouraging for the future of the show. The new wine competition has more than 150 bottles of wine on display and the numbers of entries in the vegetable classes has gone up. I think the most pleasing thing is the number of first time exhibitors which shows the draw that the flower show continues to have. We thought last year was the best ever, but 2009 looks like surpassing even that. This looks as if it could be one of the best years for a long time in the competition marquee."
29 July 2009
Window Competition Takes Off
All around Taunton from the High Street to East Reach traders are taking part in Taunton Flower Show’s Pirate window competition. Shop windows have been decorated to reflect the flower show children’s area colourful pirate theme. The windows make a really spectacular display in the run-up to the show and they will be judged for the best one. The winner will be awarded the new Ashford Cup that has been awarded by the local solicitors based at Blackbrook.
26 July 2009
Last call for on-line ticket sales and membership
Advance ticket sales not only save you 10% on the purchase price, but also avoids the queues at the ticket booths. Taunton Flower Show membership offers free admission for both days of the show as well as free parking and a show programme. The secure on-line system for advance ticket sales and membership will close on 31 July 2009. After that, advance tickets at 10% discount will only be available from Taunton and Wellington Tourist Information Centres.
For Taunton Flower Show membership, please visit our membership page.
21 July 2009
Taunton Flower Show ready to sprout
The distinctive white canvas of the big tents at Taunton Flower Show will soon be sprouting up in the Town’s Vivary Park ready for the annual extravaganza on Friday 7th and Saturday 8th August. Organisers of the biggest cultural event in Taunton’s calendar are confident of a great show with advance bookings already up on previous years.
Competition entries are still being welcomed for the 267 separate classes within 11 distinct categories including dedicated children’s challenges, photographic and wine making sections, alongside the traditional floral and vegetable features. Nearly £4,000 of prize money will be won by the green and nimble-fingered gardeners and craft exhibitors.
In keeping with the event’s commitment to environmental excellence, the organisers of Taunton Flower Show are delighted to announce the appointment of Dorset & Somerset based recycling and waste management organisation Commercial Recycling Ltd.
Commercial Recycling have been tasked by the show’s management team to plan and implement a cost effective waste management strategy, which ensures the highest percentage of recyclables are reclaimed and reused.
Stuart Mariner, Waste & Recycling Manager, Commercial Recycling Ltd. expressed his pleasure at being given the opportunity to help the 143 year old jewel in Taunton’s horticultural crown, “We are delighted to be a part of this year’s Taunton Flower Show and our current waste management processes will ensure that at least 80% of all the show’s waste is recycled”
Young people who visit the show are being encouraged to dress as Pirates and participate in the range of themed activities including a Treasure Hunt and creative opportunities.
Taunton Flower Show’s Marketing Director, Adrian Prior-Sankey, is upbeat about the 2009 event, “With the welcome return of a full military Band, a dazzling display of arena entertainment, hundreds of craft and trade stands, a lively young people’s programme and the perennially popular horticultural displays, we are keen that no-one should miss out on the annual festival of family entertainment, fun and activities that is Taunton Flower show – a blooming good day out!”
Tickets may be purchased in advance from Taunton Tourist Information Centre or on line via the show’s secure ticket shop
15 July 2009
Enter Competitive classes by email
If you wish to enter the competitive classes, this can now be done by email. If you are a member of the show, then please follow this link. This will open a new email form. Please enter the classes you wish to enter and make sure to include your name and address. All email entries will be acknowledged, so if you do not hear back from us in a day or two, please contact again.
You are reminded that entries close on 31 July 2009, so your forms MUST be received by that date. In addition to email, entry forms can be sent by post to Mr I Coleby, 32 Holway Avenue, TAUNTON, TA1 3AR or deliverd by hand to Taunton Tourist Information Centre.
7 July 2009
Pirate Fancy Dress Competition
The children's zone at this year's show will feature a free children's fancy dress competition. All youngsters are encouraged to wear a pirate costume and take part in the fun. There will be two separate competitions, one on Friday 7th August and one on Saturday 8th August. The hardy shipmates should muster in costume at 2pm alongside the Pirate Ship in the Child’s Play area where they will join the pirate crew. Judging will take place here at 3pm each day and the results will be announced on the public address system at 4.30pm followed by a parade of all entrants in the main arena. Prizes will be awarded each day for the best fancy dress pirate costume. Everyone 11 YEARS and UNDER on 1st August 2009 may enter this class. Also in the childs play area will be the newly refitted pirate ship and for all the family there will be a pirate treasure hunt all around the showground. This is sure to be an exciting event, so be sure to check it out at the show. Full details of the competitive classes and the pirate events can be found in the competitive classes schedule.
23 June 2009
Show Programme Published
The main programme for the 2009 show has now been published. Printed in high quality and full colour throughout, the programme contains all you need to know about the show. It lists all the main events, has lists of traders attending, included details of the bands and designer gardens and lists all the competitive classes.
The programme is essential for all visitors to the show. Competitively priced at £2, it can be bought in advance from our secure on-line ticket shop or will be available on the gate.
6 June 2009
Time to pick elderflowers for home made wine classes
This year's competitive classes for wine have a novice class where elderflower wine can be made and exhibited in the same year. If you would like to enter this class, you need to be out and picking your elderflowers in the next week or two.
Check before you pick the flowers that they are a variety suitable for winemaking, as some have a very unpleasant smell. They should be light and fragrantly scented, not 'catty'. Pinch a floret between fingers and check the nose; this is the bouquet the finished wine will have. Always pick when the sun is out, and the flowers are dry and fully open.
To find out more, download the full competitive schedules from the competitive classes page
28 May 2009
Taunton Flower Show tickets for sale on-line
Taunton Flower Show tickets are now for sale in advance on-line. Tickets bought this way qualify for a 10% discount, not only saving you money but also saving queuing on the day
Tickets are available from the flower show's secure on-line facility which uses the popular paypal system. Anyone can apply for tickets this way: there is no need to have a Paypal account to do so.
27 May 2009
Exciting range of trader exhibitors announced
Taunton Flower Show has announced an exciting range of trade exhibitors for the show in August. This perhaps will be the best collection of horticultural and gardening related traders available in one place in the west country.
In the floral marquee will be a wide range of traders with magnificent floral displays selling everything from bonsai to the largest plants around. the showpiece of the floral marquee are the centre stands with the huge garden displays.
In the craft marquee are a range of carefully selected traders selling hand-made products.
The food hall showcases the best in locally produced food.
Around the showground itself will be a wide variety of more than 100 different trade stands. Here you will be able to browse between specialist plant nurseries, rural crafts and other garden accessory suppliers.
The full lists of traders can be reached from from the traders page.
30 April 2009
On-Line membership announced
Taunton Flower Show members can now join online. The website now has a membership shop and members can join the show and reap the benefits of memebrship through our secure online payment system.
Membership has many benefits, including free entry on both days of the show, exclusive parking and early entry on Friday at 10am. The general public are not admitted until 11am.
To take advantage of this exclusive arrangment, please visit our membership page for full details.
23 April 2009
Taunton Flower Show brings back Proms in the Park
In a surprise announcement Show Chairman Lt Col Bob Homeshaw has revealed that Proms in the Park will be returning to Taunton as the result of a partnership between Taunton Flower Show, OrchestraWest and Amici. Utilising a marquee vacated by the Show, a patriotic medley of classical and stirring music will wow a large crowd on Sunday evening, 9th August. Proms patrons will be encouraged to picnic in the Park before joining nearly 1,000 others for the covered performance which will culminate in the traditional sing along to favourites such as ‘Land of Hope and Glory’ and ‘Rule Britannia’ under the musical direction of Dr John Cole.
Booking details will be posted here when they are finalised.
23 April 2009
Band of the Royal Engineers for Taunton Flower Show
This year the Show is pleased to welcome back a regular military Band after an absence of many years. The Band of the Corps of Royal Engineers will be performing in the main arena on both days and during the Beating of the Retreat on Friday evening visitors will be encouraged to make a generous donation to the ‘Help for Heroes’ Charity. The admission price is traditionally reduced at 5 pm on the Friday evening so organisers are hoping that the late arrivals will be willing to ‘donate the difference’ between the normal admission price and the reduced charge.
12 April 2009
Arena Events for 2009 launched
Taunton Flower Show organisers have begun to confirm the arena events for 2009. We are very pleased to include the awesome Quad and Motorcycle Stunt show, starring Jason Smyth. Jason is one of the UK's leading quad bike and motorbike stunt riders, with many years of experience in top level Motocross. We are also very pleased to welcome back the Eagle and Vulture show which last appeared at the show in 2007 and thrilled the crowds when these magnificent birds soared over the showground. We will also be welcoming the Heavensgate Dog Display team with their agility display
We are still booking major events, so please check our events page regularly.
8 March 2009
Gift Membership of Taunton Flower Show available for Mothers Day
If you are looking for the perfect guft for Mothers Day, why not Membership of Taunton Flower Show? This enables you to create your very own red letter day and to give your mother a fabulous day out at the show. Not only will she be able to visit the show on both days free of charge, but will also be able to enjoy use of the exclusive member's facilities, receive newsletters and be eligible for an invitation to the post show members' supper (an extra charge applies for the supper and the entertainment.)
Applying for gift membership could not be easier. Visit our membership page and read all about it!
7 February 2009
Craft Marquee and Food Hall Traders
The Craft Marquee is now fully booked for 2009. This marquee always proves popular with visitors with its wide range of locally crafted goods and we can now anticipate an equally exciting display for this year.
Any craft traders who would like to be considered for this marquee in case of cancellations can go on our waiting list and should contact Linda Dennis.
Linda is also the contact for the Food Hall. This marquee show cases the best in locally produced food and is an increasingly popular event at the Flower Show. We still have vacancies in the food hall, though it is filling up quickly. If you would like to exhibit in the food hall, again, please contact Linda Dennis
In order to help traders who are uncertain in the current economic climate, the closure date for applications has been extended beyond the original 31 January 2009 deadline.
8 January 2009
Competitive Classes Schedule Published
Taunton Flower Show has published its competitive classes schedule for 2009. This year there are several exciting changes: In the popular photographic challenge class, all entries will be accepted and the best 24 will be hung for the judge's decisions. We have extended the concept of improving the standard of photography to the young people’s classes and we have created a “Junior Championship Class” that will showcase the best photography of the younger entrants. Perhaps the biggest innovation this year is the incorporation of Taunton & District Amateur Winemakers Circle Annual Show into the competitive classes. This also builds on the success of last year and enables us to widen the scope of the wine and beer classes considerably and bring the joys of home-made wine to a wider audience. In order to encourage novices, there is a beginner's class with step-by-step instructions to make your own elderflower wine which you can make and exhibit in the same season.
In the Child’s Play area, we have a fancy-dress competition on a pirate theme and we hope this will encourage all our younger competitors.
This year sees a number of new cups and we are particularly pleased to have the new “WILLIAMS CUP” in the floral art classes presented by Mrs Marjorie Williams. We are also very pleased to have the new “LAKELAND CUP” in the cookery classes and the “PORTER-DODSON CHALLENGE CUP” for class 708.
The competitive schedule will be emailed and posted to all who have registered an interest in it. A copy can be downloaded from the competitive classes pages or we can post you a copy.
Old news items can be found in our archive. Old news for 2008 :: Old news for 2007