Southport Flower Show 2026 countdown is on

Southport Flower Show opens its gates this month – with organisers expecting to welcome more than 50,000 visitors over the four-day event.

The 2026 extravaganza, the UK’s largest independent flower show, takes place from August 20-23 on a 34-acre showground at the town’s Victoria Park.

Entry on the gate is £32 but advance ‘early bird’ tickets costing £28 are available until August 19. Late entry tickets (after 3pm on August 21-23) are £20.

Meanwhile children under 16 go free with a paying adult, and Southport residents with PR8 or PR9 post codes can get discounted tickets for £20.

Horticultural highlights for 2026 include spectacular award-winning show gardens, grand floral marquee, amateur grower and plant society exhibitors, floral art and raised bed displays, bees and honey marquee, and displays from local schools and charities.

And the flowers are complemented by a busy programme of additional events featuring celebrity guest Q&A sessions in the Garden Theatre hosted by Kevin Duala from BBC Radio Merseyside, live demonstrations in the Cookery Theatre, live music performances on the Piazza Stage and an outdoor show arena hosting dog display teams, birds of prey, and horse shows.

This year’s special guests include Anton Du Beke, Iolo Williams, Megan McCubbin, Su Pollard, Rob Rinder and Mr Motivator; television garden personalities Adam Frost, Arit Anderson, Joe Swift and Lee Burkhill; TV chefs Phil Vickery, Briony May AboWilliams and Candice Brown, and children’s entertainers Andy Day and Justin Fletcher.

Above: Southport Flower Show general manager Alan Adams. Top: Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome at the event.

Du Beke, who last appeared at the event 12 years ago, says: “I really can’t wait to visit Southport Flower Show again, I’ll be there on Saturday August 22. I have fond memories from my last appearance as the show opener back in 2014.

“It was a wonderful event, great atmosphere, with a family friendly environment – it’s an amazing day out. I look forward to seeing you in and around the show, and in the Garden Theatre at noon and 3pm on the Saturday for my Q&A chat.”

Southport Flower Show general manager Alan Adams adds: “We say it every year, but the show has come round so fast. We start planning for the following year’s show before the current show has even taken place, it’s such a huge job.

“This week marks just four weeks to go, and you can feel the anticipation really building. Southport Flower Show is not just flowers. Anton sums up the show perfectly – friendly, atmospheric, amazing.”

Southport Flower Show 2026 is at the town's Victoria Park from August 20-23. Entry is from 10am-6pm (5pm Sunday) Full details on the programme and tickets HERE