Chorley set for blooming marvellous award-winning flower show

CHORLEY will be blooming with displays from the most talented exhibitors in the country as the borough launches its third flower show in the historic grounds of Astley Park.

The town will become a riot of colour with dazzling dahlias and brilliant bonsais ready to wow thousands of people on Saturday and Sunday 29 and 30 July as Lancashire’s ‘Tourism Event of the Year’ returns.

A top line up of gardening and horticultural entertainment, including visits from TV stars Carol Klein and Chris Beardshaw, is planned for the Chorley Council-run show, which is being sponsored by Botany Bay, and will see more displays and demonstrations than ever before

Councillor Alistair Bradley, Leader of Chorley Council, said: “The flower show is now recognised as one of the best events in the region and we’ve had lots of feedback to say the show rivals some of the established flower shows in the country.

“Astley Park is a glorious setting and it will be the perfect place to come and get some inspiration and ideas for your garden at home and it is a great day out for all generations of the family.

“We’ve developed the show again this year including more food, entertainment and seating areas based on feedback from attendees as we look to make it a real visitor-friendly show.

“We’ve had fantastic turnouts at our summer events and I’d urge everyone to come and support the flower show so

we can make this event one that Chorley residents will be proud of for years to come.”
The two-day event, held on 2 and 30 July in Astley Park, will include:

• A professional exhibitors’ marquee featuring gold-medal winning entrants from some of the country’s biggest shows
• A chance to see Chorley’s award-winning RHS Chelsea Flower Show exhibit ‘The Evaders’ Garden’, which is a popular feature in the park
• Meet celebrity gardeners Chris Beardshaw and Carol Klein who will be hosting talks and answering your questions
• Horticultural trade stands offering the best quality in garden products
• An amateur and societies marquee incorporating flower, fruit and vegetable classes, floral art and regional competitions run by the National Sweet pea Society and the Rose Society UK
• Take a tour of the historic Astley Hall, which will be decked out with floral decorations
• Enjoy a picnic on the beautiful lawns with plenty of entertainment throughout the day including a Ferris Wheel, animal farm and a unique opportunity to walk across the lake in Astley Park

Michelle Scott, Marketing Manager of the main event sponsors Botany Bay, said everyone was really looking forward to the event.

“It’s a privilege to be involved for the third year running in this prestigious event for the borough and we can’t wait to see the fantastic displays, which you don’t normally get to see unless you go to one of the big shows,” said Michelle.

“We’d encourage everyone to come along and enjoy themselves and we’re providing a free park and ride service from Botany Bay that will make it convenient for people attending the show so make sure you call in and pay a visit to us too.  We will also be present at the show with our stand showcasing what we have to offer.  The park and ride service will be operated by Stagecoach Gold buses and will run up to every 20 minutes throughout both days of the show.

“Let’s hope the sun shines and we get a glorious weekend that showcases Chorley to the rest of the country – don’t forget you can also buy your tickets from our Botany Bay Garden Centre.”
Tickets are now on sale priced £7 adults (£9 on the gate), £1.50 children (£2 on the gate), £15 for a family ticket (£20 on the gate) and parking will be free with a park and ride from Botany Bay. The cheaper advance ticket sales end on Wednesday 26 July so make sure you get your tickets now and save 25%.

If you’d like more information visit chorleyflowershow.com, where you can buy your tickets online, or contact the council on 01257 515151.

Tickets are also available at Malcolm’s Musicland, on Chapel Street, the show’s main sponsors Botany Bay and Café Ambio, in Astley Park.

The area around the lodge and Astley Hall will be closed off from Wednesday 26 July until Tuesday 2 August but access will be maintained so people can still get from Hallgate to the town centre at all times. There will be limited parking at Hallgate from Wednesday 26 July so people visiting the park are urged to use the town centre car parks and not park on residential roads in Astley Village.