Southport Flower Show Returns Tomorrow With Celebrity Guests, Family Fun and £2 Train Travel
One of the biggest events in the North West returns tomorrow as the Southport Flower Show 2026 takes over Victoria Park for four spectacular days of flowers, gardens, celebrity guests, food, entertainment, shopping and family activities.
Running from Thursday 20 August until Sunday 23 August, Southport Flower Show is the UK’s largest independent flower show and attracts tens of thousands of visitors across its four days.
The event transforms Victoria Park into a huge horticultural and entertainment attraction, with inspirational show gardens, spectacular floral displays, prize winning produce, live demonstrations, music, shopping and activities for all ages.
Huge celebrity line up
There is an impressive list of familiar faces appearing throughout this year’s show.
Guests include BBC Gardeners’ World presenters Adam Frost, Arit Anderson and Joe Swift, Garden Ninja Lee Burkhill, gardening expert Lee Connelly, Springwatch stars Iolo Williams and Megan McCubbin, Strictly Come Dancing judge Anton Du Beke, actress and entertainer Su Pollard, broadcaster and barrister Rob Rinder MBE, and fitness legend Mr Motivator, Derrick Evans MBE.
There is plenty for younger visitors too, with children’s television favourites Andy Day and Justin Fletcher, best known to millions of families as Mr Tumble, among those appearing.
BBC Radio Merseyside’s Kevin Duala is the official show compère for 2026.
On Thursday, Springwatch favourites Iolo Williams and Megan McCubbin will each give presentations in the Garden Theatre before joining together for a Q&A session.
Gardeners’ World presenter and award winning garden designer Adam Frost will also be at the show on Thursday.
Friday’s guests include Arit Anderson, Phil Vickery, Rob Rinder and Su Pollard, while Strictly favourite Anton Du Beke and children’s presenter Andy Day are among Saturday’s attractions.
Mr Motivator will appear on Sunday at the show’s new health and wellbeing feature, The Lakeside Reset.
Justin Fletcher will also entertain families on Sunday at 11am and 1pm, with Mad Science shows at 12pm and 2pm.
Spectacular gardens and floral displays
At the heart of the Flower Show are the spectacular Show Gardens, created by professional garden designers and landscapers before being judged by a professional panel.
Visitors can explore the gardens for ideas and inspiration and speak to gardening professionals about creating or transforming their own outdoor spaces.
There will also be Grand Floral displays, plant societies and the huge Amateur Growers’ Competition, featuring everything from fruit, vegetables and flowers to honey, baking, preserves and floral art.
The popular Potting Shed, hosted by Martin and Jill Fish, will also return throughout all four days, offering practical gardening advice and tips.
Plenty for food lovers
The Flower Show has become almost as well known for its food as its flowers.
The Cookery Theatre will feature live demonstrations and advice from familiar television chefs.
Briony May Williams will host and cook on Thursday, This Morning chef Phil Vickery appears on Friday and Great British Bake Off winner Candice Brown will be among Saturday’s attractions.
Visitors can also explore the Food Village, where independent producers will be offering a huge selection of food and produce to sample and buy.
Hundreds of traders and exhibitors
Anyone who enjoys shopping should also find plenty to explore, with hundreds of traders and exhibitors offering everything from plants and gardening products to gifts, clothing, accessories, homeware and food.
Live entertainment throughout the day
Away from the gardens there will be live music and entertainment across the showground, including performances on the Piazza Stage and the new Buskers Corner Stage, introduced for 2026 to showcase local musicians.
The outdoor arena will feature further entertainment including birds of prey, dog displays and horse shows.
Families can also look out for the Children’s Trail, alpacas, children’s yoga, tennis activities, doodling and opportunities for youngsters to learn more about gardening and growing plants.
Waterstones is also returning with its Pop Up Book Festival, featuring celebrity authors, book signings and meet and greets.
Children under 16 go FREE
There’s particularly good news for families, as children under 16 can enter the Southport Flower Show FREE when accompanied by a paying adult.
With so much entertainment included, it could make for a fantastic family day out before the school holidays come to an end.
Travel from Formby to Southport for just £2 return
There is also a brilliant travel offer for anyone heading to the Flower Show from Formby.
During all four days of the event, Merseyrail is offering adult return travel to Southport for just £2, with children’s return tickets costing only £1.
The special fare is available from any Merseyrail station to Southport on the Flower Show dates of 20 to 23 August.
Tickets can be purchased from Merseyrail station ticket offices, ticket vending machines or through Tap & Go. Eligible Tap & Go return journeys to Southport on the event dates will automatically be charged at the promotional fare.
Southport railway station is a short walk from Victoria Park.
Opening times
Thursday 20 August: 10am to 6pm
Friday 21 August: 10am to 6pm
Saturday 22 August: 10am to 6pm
Sunday 23 August: 10am to 5pm
Where is it?
Victoria Park, Southport, PR8 1RX
Drivers heading to the event are advised to follow the official event signage when approaching Southport.
Visitors should also be aware that dogs are not permitted at the Flower Show, with the exception of assistance dogs.
With spectacular gardens and floral displays, some of the country’s best known gardening experts, celebrity chefs, television stars, live entertainment, hundreds of exhibitors, food, shopping and a packed programme for children, the 2026 Southport Flower Show promises to be a fantastic day out.
And for families travelling from Formby, under 16s entering the show free combined with £2 adult return train travel and £1 children’s return travel makes this year’s event particularly appealing.
Southport Flower Show 2026
📍 Victoria Park, Southport
📅 Thursday 20 to Sunday 23 August
Full Flower Show information and tickets:
Details of Merseyrail’s £2 return offer:
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