More Than a Flower Show: The People Behind Southport Flower Show 2026
Southport Flower Show may be known for famous faces, show gardens and floral displays, but its real strength lies in the volunteers, businesses and local people who bring it to life.
The show returns to Victoria Park from 20 to 23 August 2026. More than 50,000 visitors are expected to fill the 34-acre park across four days, yet the scale of the event can disguise how much depends on individuals giving their time.
Volunteers welcome visitors, support exhibitors, answer questions, offer directions and solve the countless small problems that never appear in the programme. They are often the first conversation somebody has at the gates and the people who quietly shape how the day feels.
The famous guests form part of the occasion too. This year’s programme includes Anton Du Beke, Rob Rinder, Su Pollard and Mr Motivator, alongside gardeners, natural world presenters, cookery guests and family entertainers.
However, some of the most interesting additions are those connecting the show more closely to the community around it. Buskers Corner gives local musicians the chance to perform before thousands of visitors. Lakeside Reset creates room for movement, sound sessions and quiet reflection. The children’s trail, the Speak Their Name Memorial Quilt exhibition and new evening events bring still more experiences into the four-day programme.
For local businesses, charities and performers, inclusion means more than having a stand or appearing in a programme. It places their work inside one of Southport’s largest national showcases.
Southport Flower Show is a registered charity, with profits reinvested into maintaining Victoria Park throughout the year. Its success relies on sponsors, exhibitors, traders, contractors, staff and volunteers pulling in the same direction.
The celebrities may attract attention. The gardens may win awards. Yet the part people often remember is how the show made them feel. Welcomed, included and proud that something of this scale belongs to Southport.
And behind that feeling, there is nearly always a volunteer.
Read the full Southport Flower Show feature in Issue 18 of Southport’s Journey.
Southport’s Journey remains open to new writers, contributors, businesses and local voices from Southport, Birkdale, Ainsdale, Formby and across Sefton.
If you have a story, experience or idea that deserves thoughtful space, contact hello@southportsjourney.com.
Thank you to everyone who has written, contributed, shared photographs and trusted us with their work.
Here’s to the big moments, the quieter ones and all the people helping to shape what comes next.
Lizzie x
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