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 Olič (known as ‚‘Olda‘) , Prokop (known as ‚Brok‘) Blümel and Ondřej (known as Andrew) Sedláček, 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.
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 2009 Old news for 2008 :: Old news for 2007