15 Jan 2012

Competitive Classes Schedule Published

We have published the competition schedule for 2012. It is now available from the competition classes pages. The schedule is now at the printers and as soon as we have these they will be posted out to those who have asked for them. We have made some improvements to the schedule this year. In particular, we have redesigned all of divisions 5 and 6. Division 5 is now purely for cookery and preserves and caters for both groups and individual entries and features three new championship classes. Division 6 is now just for art and craftwork. This year we have introduced the Taunton Flower Show fine art competition. This division also has a new section just for textile art. The young people’s classes this year feature London 2012 and the handwriting completion has a poem especially written for our show.

5 Aug 2011

Flower Show's breathtaking display

Organisers of Taunton Flower Show are celebrating a dramatic rise in attendance after the first day of the 145-year old jewel in the County town's cultural crown. Numbers visiting the horticultural extravaganza increased by 25% compared to last year's first day. Show Vice Chairman Adrian Prior-Sankey welcomed the significant upturn in support for the community-based show, 'If Saturday's attendance matches that of previous years we are confident that overall attendance for the two days will top the elusive 20,000. Mixed weather in recent times has taken the edge of the endeavours of the army of 300 volunteers but this year conditions have been perfect. 'The weather forecasters' promise of no rain and comfortable temperatures tempted the crowds out to sample the exciting programme of floral displays and entertainment for all ages.' Show managers were concerned that higher numbers might put additional strain on Taunton's roads. Problems on the M5 on Friday put particular pressure on town centre routes. 'We are delighted that our car parks were at capacity for most of the day but ask Saturday's visitors to share vehicles or preferably use park and ride schemes or public transport to minimise inconvenience and travel times. Local residents can walk or cycle with easy access to the level showground. 'Stewarding arrangements and partnership with the police and highways staff have been reviewed to ensure that journeys to and from the show don't detract from a great day out.' Admission prices are lower on Saturday, at £9 for adults and £8 for senior citizens. Full details of the day's programme are available online at www.tauntonflowershow.com

29 July 2011

Competitive Classes Success!

Taunton Flower Show is sprouting in Vivary Park! The marquees are now going up and the competitive entries have been finalised with more than 2000 individual items planned to be on display. Ian Coleby, competitive entries coordinator said “This is an excellent year for the competitive entries with numbers yet again reaching the magic 2000 entries. Not only will we have more than 150 bottles of wine on display, but we have almost 550 entries in the fruit and vegetables classes and we are looking forward to the Taunton Flower Show Master Gardener competition and the awarding of the prestigious National Dahlia Society’s silver medal in the extended dahlia classes. In the photography classes we are anticipating more than 285 pictures and we have 20 separate entries in the Young Photographer of the year competition.” The flower show awards 52 cups and other awards and will be presenting these in the competitive marquee on Saturday afternoon. Although advance ticket sales from the website have now closed, a 10% saving on the gate price can still be made by buying advance from Taunton or Wellington Tourist Information Centres.

16 July 2011

Taunton Flower Show all set to bloom!

The distinctive white canvas of the big tents at Taunton Flower Show will soon be bursting into bloom in the Town’s Vivary Park ready for the annual extravaganza on Friday 5th and Saturday 6th August. Organisers of the biggest cultural event in Taunton’s calendar are confident of a great show with advance bookings already up on last year. 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 a nd nimble-fingered gardeners and craft exhibitors. Young people who visit the show are being encouraged to dress as Ancient Egyptians and participate in the range of themed activities including Egyptian dance under the guidance of local expert Shema. The junior visitors to the show will be enticed into an Egyptian Tell replete with Humphrey the M5 Camel alongside a Pyramid with Mummy-wrapping surprises as well as hieroglyphics, costume making, pottery, origami and face painting reflecting the theme. A climbing tower will offer older children a bird’s eye view of the showground. The combined Bands of the Fire and Rescue Services and Taunton Sea Cadet Band will both be making their first appearance at the show and contribute only part of the wide range of cultural and musical entertainment on offer. The full programme which includes ‘Chariots of Fire’, Jamie Squibb motorbike display, Heavens Gate dog display team and the Mounted Section of Avon & Somerset Police along with Dr Turberville's Morris dancers and a jazz band is guaranteed to delight and thrill the crowds who have so much more to enjoy beyond the horticultural displays under cover and in the open. Designer gardens, including some created in front of an audience during the show, will provide inspiration for amateurs of all ages. Taunton Flower Show’s Marketing Director, Adrian Prior-Sankey, is upbeat about the 2011 event, ‘Everything is set fair for a great weekend. The huge spread of canvas helps us ‘weather-proof’ most of the treats on offer providing shade from the sun and shelter from a shower. With a mix of traditional features and new attractions 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! The full details are in the complete press release available on the right of this page.

13 July 2011

By train and bus to the Taunton Flower Show

Travel in style on the steam West Somerset Railway! A combined steam train and bus trip from Minehead and all WSR stations along the way to the Show. The steam train leaves Minehead at 10.15am. Then on arrival at 11.30am at Bishops Lydeard Station, a waiting Quantock Motors coach then heads for Taunton setting down at Castleway, just ten minutes walk from the Taunton Flower Show in Vivary Park. The maximum number of passengers who will be able to travel is 51 on each day and therefore seats must be booked in advance (call 01643 704996). This includes train and bus travel but not admission to the Flower Show. Further information: for train and bus, see official WSR website

15 May 2011

Club Growing and Showing classes

Taunton Flower Show has launched its prestigious Club growing and showing class. This is one of the most spectacular classes at the show. Garden club members contribute together to create a display of cut flowers, pot plants, fruit and/or vegetables. This is a great way for club members to work together on a team exhibit that can showcase the work and interest of the club. The space we make available is a table 1.8m long x 0.75m deep. It is against the side of the marquee so most clubs supply a back board to support exhibits and to make an impressive display. In a goal to encourage more clubs to enter this class, the show committee offer a first prize of £50 plus the Sampson Trophy. Second and third prizes are £25 and £10 respectively. As an added incentive, this year the show will offer £15 expenses to every club that enters and will also provide one free pair of show tickets for each entry. For more details of Club Growing and Showing, please see the club growing page.

20 April 2011

Flower Show Launched

REBECCA POW, professional journalist and broadcaster, officially launched Taunton Flower Show this evening. Speaking to a packed house of local media representatives and show volunteers, Rebecca said that she had always enjoyed coming to Taunton Show and would not miss this year. Adrian Prior-Sankey, marketing director said “This year’s show promises to be bigger and better than before. From the new Master Gardener challenge, to the Young Photographer of the Year and through popular favourites such as Ready, Steady Garden! The show promises something for everybody” Full details of events can be found on our events page and the full text the official press release can be downloaded on the right hand side of this page.

The musical extravaganza that is Taunton Prom in the Park will be held on 7 August and this was also launched this evening. Under the directorship of John Cole, it promises to be a spectacular evening of music and prom pagentry. Full details can be found on the Proms website or from the press release on the right hand side of this page.

21 March 2011

Ticket Shop Opened

Taunton Flower Show's secure on-line ticket shop has opened. Tickets are available at a 10% discount directly from the show website. Tickets will be posted to you so that you can then avoid queuing at the gate.

To purchase tickets, please go to our admissions page. Payments use the secure paypal system. You do not need a paypal account to use this. Please note that we charge a £1 postage and packing fee flat rate on all orders.

9 February 2011

Arena Events and other attractions announced

Taunton Flower Show is pleased to announce the provisional main attractions at the 2011 show. Another exciting programme of spectacular displays has been lined up to entertain the crowds. Covering all age ranges from young to old, the displays include the Fire Brigade Band, the nail-biting Jamie Squibb Stunt Show and the popular Chariots of Fire display Team. Along with the Avon and Somerset Police Horses, this looks like a packed schedule.

The events are shown in more detail on the main events page which will be updated as more events are added.

2 February 2011

Taunton Flower Show's Dahlia display

Taunton Flower Show is focussing on dahlias in the competitive marquee for 2011. This popular flower always looks spectacular and this year we have widened the classes available. We now have 10 different dahlia classes which cover all the best-known varieties and cultivars. So that we can award exhibitors properly, the show has joined the National Dahlia Society and we have been granted the facility to award their prestigious silver medal.

We welcome all dahlia growers, no matter what their skill level – from novices to master growers – to take part this year. We are looking forward to a great show of these wonderful flowers.

To take part in our dahlia competition, please download the schedule from the competitive classes pages.

1 January 2011

Competition Classes for 2011 announced

Taunton Flower Show has published the competition classes schedule for 2011. This can be downloaded from the competition classes page. Copies will be posted to those who entered in 2010 or who have requested a copy. If you would like a copy mailed to you please use this email link or see the contacts page

There have been a number of significant changes to the classes this year, in particular:

The Taunton Flower Master Gardener class where an individual competitor can showcase their all round gardening talent. The winner of this class will be presented with the Les Pring Memorial Cup.

The Taunton Flower Show Young Photographer of the Year - a class sponsored by Porter Dodson and designed to encourage the best of our young photographers pictures. We have a new Young Photographer of the Year trophy to award to the winner of this class.

We have reintroduced several of the more spectacular flowers and vegetable classes including the prestigious vegetable championship class.

More details can be found on the competition classes pages.

26 December 2010

Richard Fox is honoured with new title

Richard Fox, a well-known and longstanding volunteer and supporter of the flower show has is to be awarded the title of Honorary Freeman by Wellington Town Council. The council has recently been given the power to confer the title of Honorary Freeman or Freewoman to persons of distinction who, in the council’s opinion have rendered eminent service to the local community.

Town Mayor Andy Govier said the council had given this new power some consideration and felt that Richard would be a most worthy recipient of this honour. He added that: “Richard is such a prominent figure at so many local events always first to arrive and last to leave and doing any task asked of him,” he said. “As well as these public events he is very active behind the scenes doing a lot of good work such as visiting people in hospital and numerous selfless acts and he is extremely deserving of this award.”

A special council meeting will be held on Sunday January 30 2011 at 2.30pm in St John’s Parish Church, High Street, when Richard will be awarded Freedom of Wellington and members of the public are invited to attend. Richard, 72, who is a retired teacher, said he was amazed at the qualities of so many Wellingtonians, many of whom carried a lot of responsibility in the volunteering sector. He said: “I accept this wonderful historical honour with the urge to share it. It is also a great honour to have the ceremony at St John’s Church and appropriate because of the religious and historical background. “May all who add to the wellbeing of Wellington people, through organisations or unseen acts of neighbourly kindness, please come to share the ceremony. “It will be an interesting celebration of the history and of volunteering in general. I am very grateful to the Mayor and Wellington Town Council for this great honour and to all who have worked with me and inspired me in the community.”

2 November 2010

Traders Applications 2011 opened

The flower show has opened applications for trade stands in the showground. More that 100 pitches are available at a wide variety of locations and sizes across the show. This is an ideal way to showcase your produce to up to 15000 visitors over the two days of the show. Please note that we give preference to horticultural or gardening stands and the number of charity stands and non-horticultural stands are strictly limited. Application forms can be found on our traders pages. Forms should be completed and returned with a £50 deposit by the closing date of 31st January 2011. You will be notified and invoiced after 28th February 2011 if you have been successful. Completed applications will be considered on a first come, first served basis. The Jim Harnell cup is awarded for the Best Horticultural Outside Trade Stand. For further information, please contact the show secretary.

15 August 2010

Image Gallery of 2010 show launched

Images of the 2010 show are now available on this website. Covering the show from its set up through to the prize giving, this is a comprehensive record of the show. The image gallery can be found here.

3 August 2010

Taunton Flower Show attracts new competitors

The continuing spell of fine weather has been a boon for the organisers of Taunton Flower Show who have made good progress turning the town's Vivary Park into a tented showground ahead of next weekend's big event.

Competitions director Ian Coleby is very pleased at the number of entries received for the 267 classes on offer. He predicted a good reaction from the anticipated 14,000 visitors over the two days, 'With a total of more than 2000 entries, this is our second best year, only beaten by last year which was an all time record. Back in 2005 we only had 1400 entries, so we are 50% up over 5 years. This is a good development and bodes well for the future of the competitive aspect of the 144 year-old show. It also suggests we have a healthy community keen to grow their own produce as the big winners this year are the flowers and fruit classes which are well up on 2009's numbers. It is pleasing to see that the number of entries for floral art are also up as the vibrant colours and scents of the intricate designs attract many visitors into the big competition tent.

The Flower Show likes to see participants get the competitive habit early in life and organisers have been encouraged by a very early starter this year. 'The full schedule includes 41 Children's categories. Our youngest competitor is aged only a year and a half and has submitted a picture of a Christmas tree in the pre-school children's class', Ian announced.

Competitors will share nearly £4,000 in prize money along with distinction of Gold, Silver or Bronze awards, many judged to have attained an RHS standard. Over 200 traders and craftsmen and women will be arriving at Vivary Park in the next few days to set out their stalls to tantalise and tempt the thousands who visit Taunton's longest-running summer Show.

2 August 2010

Taunton Flower Show's international workforce made welcome

Three Czech students have returned to Somerset this summer to help behind the scenes of Taunton Flower Show. Jan Olic (known as 'Olda'), Prokop (known as 'Brok') Blmel and Ondrej (known as Andrew) Sedlcek, all aged 24, are students in Prague who have assisted with the practical tasks associated with the setting up of Taunton Flower Show for the last 5, 6 and 7 years, respectively.

Their involvement began back in August 2004 when County Council youth workers invited young students from the Czech Republic to travel to Somerset for a school exchange. Mike Coy was one of the Taunton-based youth service workers and also served as showground organiser for the town's 144-year old horticultural extravaganza. Andrew was first student to be invited to help Mike and got hooked on the activities associated with building the Flower Show. In subsequent years Andrew invited his friends to join him for his annual visit. The event takes 10 days to set up in Vivary Park and requires considerable muscle and dexterity to ensure that all the equipment is in the right place in time for the arrival of the first visitors at 11 am on Friday 6 August.

In return for their board and lodging the three young men have given up two weeks of their summer vacation and cheerfully pitch in to whatever needs doing. Their English language skills have developed remarkably and they gain valuable insights into the workings of a major cultural event which aids their studies in economics, history, IT and marketing.

The three students are delighted by the efforts of their hosts to make them welcome. Last year the show's organisers presented them with a Czech Flag to fly in the showground in recognition of the longstanding ties.

Speaking during the build up to the 2010 show Andrew said, 'We are pleased to be able to continue this tradition which is the highlight of our University vacation. Each year we decide between us how to relax after the hard work of the show. We have toured Scotland and London and even Paris and even Amsterdam but this year we hope to explore more of the beautiful English countryside and coastal resorts before making our way home to Prague. We are grateful to the team at Taunton Flower Show who continue to make us very welcome as well as helping us improve our linguistic skills and enjoy what this year has been a beautiful summer in England.'

It is hoped that with regular flights operating to and from Prague via Bristol airport the Czech young men will be able to persuade their compatriots to join them to enjoy the festival of fun, flowers and good food in 2011

1 August 2010

Vivary Park is transformed

Over the last few days Vivary Park is beginning to be transformed from a quiet recreational park to a bustling showground. The first tasks are to erect the massive marquees and the range of other tents that are so crucial and this has been going on for several days now. The next task is to fit out the insides of the tents to prepare them for the many hundreds of exhibitors and visitors expected over the next week. Pictures of the transformation can be seen on our gallery page for 2010. As the show develops we will be issuing frequent news updates and further pictures.

27 July 2010

Mega Musical Harmony in Taunton's Park!

Nearly one hundred and sixty musicians and singers will set toes tapping in Taunton's Vivary Park during the course of the second 'Prom in the Park sponsored by Taunton Flower Show at 8.00 pm on Sunday 8 August 2010. A full programme of lively music including patriotic favourites will be delivered in the big tent by Orchestra West and the Chamber choir Amici and friends who will be joined by one of England's premier youth brass bands, The 2nd Rossendale Scout Group Band from Bacup in Lancashire. A children's choir arranged and coached by Lisa Tustian will complete the line up, believed to be one of the biggest gathering of performers in the town in recent years.

Following the outstanding success of the resurrected popular public Prom last year Taunton Flower Show invited local impresario and conductor John Cole to present another evening's entertainment.

Among the works to be heard at the Prom will be the Grand March from 'Aida', well known pieces by Copland and Vaughan-Williams and some famous film music. One notable highlight is likely to be a rendition of Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture, harnessing the full talents of musicians and choir. All the usual 'Last Night of the Proms' favourites will be there too and flag-waving audience participation is compulsory! Utilising a marquee vacated by the Flower Show, a patriotic medley of classical and stirring music will wow a large crowd. 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'.

Welcoming the prospect of a second year's successful summer evening entertainment, Taunton Flower Show Chairman Bob Homeshaw said, 'Not many communities the size of Taunton can boast of being the base for a fully professional symphony orchestra and have a prestigious horticultural and family event with 144 years of history. We are delighted to be able to combine forces to harness a covered venue that will guarantee a great night out for all ages in the heart of the town. The involvement of the gifted young people who are members of the Rossendale Scout Group Band and children's choir means we will have assembled one of the largest gatherings of musicians able to do justice to some of the greatest works by famous composers and have fun in the process. This is a night not to be missed.'

OrchestraWest was founded by John Cole in 2005. The ensemble has given many memorable performances both in its own right as well as providing first class support to vocal concerts. Their Patron is the international conductor and broadcaster Charles Hazlewood.

Vivary Park will be open from 6 pm to people wishing to picnic. They will be serenaded by the Rossendale Scout Group Band. A bar will be available.

Tickets are available from The Brewhouse Theatre Box Office and Taunton Tourist Information Centre priced 16.50

This is a musical feast not to be missed. For more information and tickets, visit the event's website at www.tauntonpromsinthepark.co.uk

2 July 2010

Exmouth Gardeners visit 'Chelsea of the West'

Organisers of Taunton Flower Show are delighted at the prospect of welcoming members of Exmouth Garden Club and their friends to the event on Friday 6 August. Chairman of Exmouth Garden Club, Noel Allen, is organising a coach trip to the region's premier floral and family-friendly festival and is still open to enquiries about the remaining spaces on the 50-seater bus.

Visitors need not be gardening enthusiasts as the long running show has a wealth of activities for all ages. Flowers, fruit and vegetables remain at the heart of the Westcountry's premier horticultural festival but fun and musical activities attractive to all ages have been added to ensure that the whole family can enjoy a great day out. A model allotment will showcase the joys of home grown food, fruit and vegetable production.

Welcoming the interest in the Show by visitors from Devon Marketing Director, Adrian Prior-Sankey said, "Taunton has a distinguished record of welcoming visitors from neighbouring counties. Our location close to the M5 junction and ease of car parking makes us a popular choice for a day's enjoyment not too far from anywhere in the Westcountry. The many exhibitors and entertainers are determined to live up to the 'Chelsea of the West' label bestowed by the media and the line up for 2010 promises to deliver one of the best events in our 144 year history." There are still some seats available on the coach from Exmouth. Prices are 15 for Exmouth Garden Club members and 17 for non-members, inclusive of the entrance ticket to the Show. If you are interested in booking a seat or require further details please contact Noel Allen on 01395 272 707 or Linda Dennis of Taunton Flower Show on 01395 278 433.

19 June 2010

Traders and Exhibitors announced

Taunton Flower Show is pleased to announce the finalised lists of traders and exhibitors at the show. Not only are there a wide range of horticultural and gardening traders in the showground to satify all needs, there is also a comprehensive range of traders in the floral and craft marquees and the food hall. The floral marquee will feature the large, centre stands for which the show is renowned. Lists of all the traders can be seen on our webpage.

13 May 2010

On line ticket sales at 10% discount

Taunton Flower Show's on-line ticket facility is now live. This uses the secure PayPal system to ensure you get tickets at a 10% discount. It avoids you having to queue and we post the tickets directly to your door. The PayPal system accepts all types of credit and debit cards and is very easy to use. Please click here to be taken to our secure on-line shop. Please note that we charge a nominal 1 on each transaction to cover administration and postage.

22 April 2010

Taunton Flower Show's flourishing in 2010

Organisers of Taunton Flower Show have thrown open the lid of their propagating tray to reveal the colourful display of flowers, fun and family-friendly activities they have been nurturing, ready for the big event in Vivary Park on 6 & 7 August. Flowers, fruit and vegetables remain at the heart of the Westcountry's premier horticultural festival but fun and musical activities attractive to all ages have been added to ensure that the whole family can enjoy a great day out. A model allotment will showcase the joys of home grown food, fruit and vegetable production.

Having last year re-established the tradition of hosting a regular military band the Show is pleased to showcase the talents of The Band of the Royal Corps of Signals who will be performing in the main arena on both days and during the Beating of the Retreat on Friday evening. Young musicians will also be on parade as The 2nd Rossendale Scout Group Band provide toe-tapping tunes in the Bandstand in the finest tradition of Lancashire's Brass Bands.

Younger visitors to the show will be corralled into a Wild West Reservation to enjoy craft skills and activities in and around an Indian tepee with several Indian characters. Challenges include drumming, chanting, costume making, pottery, origami and face painting all reflecting the Indian theme. Pony Rides will enhance the usual Punch & Judy and Magic features. In addition to a Treasure Hunt, there will be an opportunity for children to participate in a fancy dress competition with prizes for the best costume. Terrier racing will delight young and old. Families of Royal Marines will be guests of the show and admitted free of charge.

In a development of the event's support of local charities, the Conquest Centre for Disabled Riders is showcasing its work and celebrating 40 years of success and service. Lucinda McAlpine will present a dressage display in the main arena each day on behalf of this popular community group. Morris dancing will also add to the sense of a summer garden party.

Lady Christine Skelmersdale and Michael Marriott of David Austin Roses are among a number of experts who will be delivering a series of talks and demonstrations ranging over such practical topics as 'Heritage vegetables', 'Peonies', 'January and February flower bulbs', and 'Passion Flowers'.

Designer Gardens bring a touch of Chelsea to the south west with fierce competition for the accolade 'Best in show'. The 'Ready, Steady, Garden' competition to build a small garden in just 2 hours is unique to Taunton Flower Show with Alice Boyd and Colin Trewren judging the event on consecutive days.

Chairman Bob Homeshaw announced details of the 2010 Show, saying: "The organisers of the 2010 show are striving to have something available for all ages. From tiny tots to teenagers and young adults to nonagenarians we aim to tickle the taste buds or delight the eyes in the beautiful backdrop of Vivary Park. Fresh features and trusted traders are being combined to ensure that the Show remains at the forefront of Taunton's summer celebrations. All in all, it's a festival of family entertainment, fun and flowers A blooming good day out!

Marketing Director, Adrian Prior-Sankey, is enthusiastic about the challenge of ensuring the show draws thousands who want to enjoy a great day out. He highlighted the tremendous value of Taunton Flower Show to local people who can easily make their way along to the event.

"Amazingly there are still a few people in the locality who haven't sampled the wide range of delights on offer at Taunton Flower Show. This is certainly a year to introduce new friends who can take advantage of the value for money with some admission prices fixed at 2007 rates and enjoy the varied experiences we have on offer. The preliminary schedule has now been released and is available from the website. New competitions have been included for floristry students and amateur orchid growers. As spring replaces the very cold winter, I hope many amateur growers will already be preparing for the various competitions that enable them to be part of the unique local extravaganza that is Taunton Flower Show."

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.