Flower power attracts new competitions

Experts in growing sweet peas and roses will be taking part in brand new competitions as part of the award-winning Chorley Flower Show.

Two of the country’s most well-known societies will be hosting regional competitions as part of the Chorley Council-run event, providing a great new spectacle at Lancashire’s premier horticultural weekend.

The National Sweet Pea Society and Rose Society UK will be attracting exhibitors from far and wide adding to the blaze of colour at the popular event.

Councillor Alistair Bradley, Leader of Chorley Council, said: “It’s testament to the success of the show that we’ve had interest from two of the country’s most well-known societies wanting to host their own competitions as part of Chorley Flower Show.

“We’ve really succeeded in capturing the imagination of visitors and this tells us we are getting things right and it is of real interest to people who enjoy everything about flowers and growing them.

“That coupled with our recognition as the ‘Tourism Event of the Year’ at the Lancashire Tourism Awards shows that if you’re looking for a day out this summer you’ll be hard pressed to find anything better than Chorley Flower Show.”

The society competitions will be part of a huge new marquee spanning 100m providing a spectacle of colours and scents of the garden.

Famous names Carol Klein and Chris Beardshaw will be hosting talks and meeting visitors while trade stands, entertainment and the magnificent Astley Hall decked out in floral displays will offer a fantastic day out.

Tom Atherton, Regional Events Coordinator for the National Sweet Pea Society and who lives in Chorley, said: “The show is developing into something that can rival the biggest shows in the country and we really are taking up the mantle of the Northern Flowerhouse.

“We’ve got a great setting in Astley Park, Chorley is well connected so it is easy to get to from all over the region and this is a true flower show that offers a day out for all generations of the family to enjoy together.

“We’ve been so impressed with the show it led us to enquire about hosting one of our own competitions here and we’re really looking forward to seeing all the exhibits and educating people about sweet peas.”

Chorley Flower Show is on 29 and 30 July and you can save 25% by buying your tickets in advance. Full details are available at chorleyflowershow.com.