Every August, one of England’s most beloved outdoor events returns to Victoria Park in Southport. The Southport Flower Show 2026 runs from Thursday 20 August to Sunday 23 August, offering four full days of gardens, food, music, and family entertainment. Whether you are a seasoned visitor or planning your first trip, this guide covers everything you need to know before you go.
What Is the Southport Flower Show?
The show has a rich history stretching back to 1924. It began as a local council initiative and has since grown into the UK’s largest independent flower show. Today, it is run by a registered charity and draws over 50,000 visitors each year. It takes place entirely within Victoria Park, a green and welcoming space on the eastern edge of Southport town centre.
The event is far more than its name suggests. Yes, flowers are at the heart of it. However, you will also find live music, cooking demonstrations, celebrity guests, and a lively food market. Therefore, it appeals to a wide range of people, not just gardening enthusiasts.
Dates, Hours and Location
The 2026 show takes place on the following dates:
- Thursday 20 August – Sunday 23 August 2026
- Opening hours: 10am to 6pm (closing at 5pm on Sunday)
- Venue: Victoria Park, Southport, PR8 1RX
The park sits roughly 15 minutes on foot from Southport railway station. Additionally, a shuttle bus (Route 27) runs directly from the station to the showground on all four show days, departing every 15 minutes in line with train arrivals.
Ticket Prices and How to Book
Tickets are sold through Ticket Quarter at southportflowershow.co.uk. Booking early is strongly recommended, as prices rise closer to the event.
Here is a summary of the 2026 ticket options:
- Early bird adult day ticket: from £25 online
- 4-day Patron Pass: £90 online
- Afternoon Tea package: from £55 (includes entry)
- Children under 16: free when accompanied by a paying adult
The children’s free entry policy makes this an excellent choice for families. Furthermore, buying online in advance saves both money and time at the gate. There is no need to print tickets; a digital copy on your phone is accepted.
Show Gardens and Floral Displays
The show gardens are widely regarded as the centrepiece of the event. Designers and landscape teams spend months preparing their plots, and the results are genuinely impressive. The standard is often compared to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, yet the atmosphere here feels more relaxed and accessible.
Inside the Grand Floral Marquee, you will find competitive flower and vegetable classes. Exhibitors enter their finest blooms, the most perfectly shaped vegetables, and elaborate floral art displays. Judges take the process seriously, and the results are announced during the show. Therefore, if you visit on the opening day, you can watch the judging unfold in real time.
For 2026, the Schools Garden Competition returns, sponsored by Merseyrail and Postscript Books. This new feature invites local schools to design a garden, with the winning school’s plan built professionally and displayed at the show. It adds a wonderful community dimension to the event.
Celebrity Guests and Live Entertainment
The show has always attracted well-known faces, and 2026 is no exception. Confirmed celebrity guests so far include:
- Adam Frost, award-winning garden designer and BBC Gardeners’ World presenter, appearing on Thursday 20 August
- Candice Brown, Great British Bake Off winner and chef-owner of The Green Man pub, appearing on Saturday 22 August
Kevin Duala, an Aria Gold Award-winning broadcaster with over 30 years of experience, has been confirmed as the official compere for 2026. His presence ensures the stage programme runs with real energy throughout the four days.
Additionally, a brand-new feature called Buskers Corner Stage arrives this year, supported by Moonlight Events. It will showcase talented local musicians across the weekend, adding even more live sound to the atmosphere.
Live entertainment also includes dog displays, birds of prey demonstrations, ukulele bands, choirs, and country music performers. There is something happening at almost every hour of the day.
Family Activities and Children’s Entertainment
Children are well catered for throughout the event. The free entry for under-16s is already a significant draw, but there is plenty more on offer once you arrive.
Lee Connelly, known as the Children’s Gardening Coach, hosts Grow Wild Play, a new interactive live show for 2026. This high-energy experience combines education with entertainment, encouraging children to get involved with growing food and supporting wildlife. It is designed to be hands-on and fun, not just a passive watch.
There are also creative activities, dedicated children’s entertainers, and plenty of open green space for younger visitors to explore. Parents will find the event easy to navigate with a pushchair or young children in tow.
Food, Drink and Shopping
The food offering at the show is genuinely impressive. A specialist food market runs across all four days, with producers selling local and artisan products. You will find fresh bread, cheeses, preserves, street food, and much more.
Live cookery demonstrations run throughout the event, with chefs showcasing seasonal recipes and practical techniques. These sessions are free to watch and are worth building into your schedule.
Shopping options are equally varied. Many exhibitors sell plants, garden tools, outdoor furniture, clothing, and gifts. However, if you plan to buy plants, it is worth noting that the show is held in late August. Most purchases will need careful acclimatisation on return home, so bring a bag or box to transport them safely.
Getting There: Transport and Parking
Victoria Park has limited on-site parking. Most visitors, therefore, use one of the following options:
- Park-and-ride from Birkdale Common (PR8 2LX), which operates across all show days
- Town centre car parks, with a 10 to 15-minute walk to the venue
- Train to Southport station, followed by the Route 27 shuttle bus or a 15-minute walk
- Discounted Merseyrail tickets are available from Southport station ticket office during the show
Arriving by train is by far the easiest option for visitors travelling from Liverpool and the wider North West. The service is frequent, and the shuttle bus connection makes the journey seamless.
Insider Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit
A little planning goes a long way. Here are some practical tips to help you get the best out of your day:
- Arrive early. The gardens and marquee are far less crowded in the first two hours after opening. By midday, the most popular areas can become very busy.
- Book tickets in advance. Early bird pricing offers real savings, and you avoid queuing at the gate.
- Check the daily schedule before you arrive. Celebrity appearances and stage events have specific time slots. Missing them is easy if you do not plan ahead.
- Wear comfortable shoes. The site is large, and most surfaces are grass or light gravel. Flat, sturdy footwear is far more practical than sandals or heels.
- Bring a reusable bag. If you plan to buy plants, food produce, or gifts, a large tote bag will be invaluable.
- Check the weather forecast. The event takes place outdoors, so a light waterproof jacket is sensible even in August.
- Consider a weekday visit. Thursday and Friday tend to be quieter than the weekend. If flexibility allows, a weekday gives you more space and shorter queues.
Headline Sponsor for 2026
Ramsay Health Care UK’s North West Hospitals has been confirmed as the headline sponsor of the 2026 event. This partnership reflects the organisation’s commitment to supporting local communities across the North West. Their involvement helps ensure the show continues to grow and improve each year.
Conclusion
The Southport Flower Show 2026 promises to be a truly memorable event. It runs from 20 to 23 August at Victoria Park, with tickets starting from £25 and free entry for children under 16. Visitors can expect spectacular show gardens, competitive floral displays, celebrity guests including Adam Frost and Candice Brown, live music, family activities, and a vibrant food market.
Whether you come for the horticulture, the entertainment, or simply a great day out with the family, the show has something for everyone. Booking early secures the best ticket prices. Arriving with a plan helps you catch the highlights. And leaving with a plant or two has become something of a tradition.
It is one of the finest summer events in the North West, and 2026 looks set to be its best year yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Southport Flower Show 2026?
The show takes place from Thursday 20 August to Sunday 23 August 2026 at Victoria Park, Southport (PR8 1RX). Gates open at 10am each day and close at 6pm, with an earlier 5pm close on Sunday.
How much do tickets cost, and where can I buy them?
Early bird adult day tickets start from £25 online. A 4-day Patron Pass costs £90. Children under 16 enter free when accompanied by a paying adult. Tickets are available at southportflowershow.co.uk through Ticket Quarter.
Is the Southport Flower Show suitable for young children?
Yes. Children under 16 are admitted free, and there are dedicated children’s activities, entertainers, and the interactive Grow Wild Play show hosted by Lee Connelly. The site is generally easy to navigate with pushchairs.
How do I get to Victoria Park for the show?
You can travel by train to Southport station and take the Route 27 shuttle bus directly to the venue. Alternatively, a park-and-ride service operates from Birkdale Common (PR8 2LX). Town centre car parks are also within a 15-minute walk of the site.
What celebrities are appearing at the 2026 show?
Adam Frost, BBC Gardeners’ World presenter, appears on Thursday 20 August. Candice Brown, Great British Bake Off winner, appears on Saturday 22 August. Kevin Duala serves as the official compere throughout the event.
