Organisers gearing up for Taunton Flower Show (From This is The West Country)

Organisers gearing up for Taunton Flower Show

4:03pm Tuesday 10th July 2007

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ORGANISERS of Taunton Flower Show have their fingers crossed on two counts.

Firstly, they want to avoid a repeat of the devastating thunderstorms that wiped out the event in Vivary Park ten years ago.

Secondly they hope a £1,500 fee for using Vivary will be scrapped by Taunton Deane Council, whose executive are discussing axing charges to charity groups hiring the park.

The annual event on August 3 and 4 is moving to a Friday and Saturday for the first time in its 141 year history.

Marketing director Adrian Prior-Sankey said the switch from midweek has seen more exhibitors and traders booking for the two days, when thousands of visitors are epected.

He said: "It seems as if everyone, including horticulturists, local traders and now the borough council, recognises what a significant feature the flower show is in Taunton's summer programme.

"Organisers have worked all year round to ensure that the standard of the displays is raised yet again with no increase in the admission charge, while developing discounts for all and opportunities for free admission for disabled individuals and their carers as well as multiple competition entrants.

"Young people are being targeted positively in an effort to germinate the next generation of green-fingered gurus.

"The event benefits the community economically as well as culturally and a decision to remove the charge by the council would guarantee the show's location in its rightful place in Vivary Park for generations to come."

Among the attractions are a Ready, Steady, Garden' competition presented by UKTV's Simon Harrison-Knibbs.

Students from Somerset College will exhibit garden sculptures and a local farmers' market is being introduced.

The Floral Tent will feature horticultural exhibitors from across the country displaying top class blooms and produce.

A Seeds of Knowledge Tent will provide answers to gardeners' questions and youngsters will be catered for in a Children's Zone.

Military, Scout and Jazz musicians will entertain crowds, with a sunset ceremony at 8pm on Friday night with two marching bands. Arena entertainment includes mountain and motor bike stunts, the Chariots of Fire display team and The Eagle and Vulture Show.

There is still time to enter gardeners and crafts categories - entries must be submitted by post or (by members) on-line by noon on Friday, July 27.

Details of each competition and the entry form are published on the flower show website, with certificates, cups and nearly £4,000 in prize money to be won.

For further details and for ticket information, click on the link below.

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