Flower power attracts thousands to Chorley

WOW – that was the reaction of visitors to the first ever Chorley Flower Show who were treated to a weekend of fabulous floral displays.

The inaugural show, organised by Chorley Council, attracted 10,000 people to Astley Hall, Coach House and Park to see the very best in horticultural displays with people from all over the country attending and taking part.

Visitors were wowed by the variety and quality of displays with some saying it was on a par with some of the country’s other top shows in just its first year.

Councillor Peter Wilson, Deputy Leader of Chorley Council, said: “We’ve put a lot of investment into putting Chorley on the map and making it place people want to come whether that’s to live, locate their business here or spend their leisure time.

“Judging by the comments we received over the weekend it was a fantastic success and we saw people from all over the North West coming to Chorley and saying how great it is and that makes us feel very proud.

“We are putting on these big events to attract people in because it brings people in and that will help boost the local economy, which is one of our main priorities.”

The show saw professional exhibitors coming from as far afield as Scotland and Scarborough and residents also got the chance to showcase their own talents by entering the amateur sections.

There were plenty of trade stalls, a floral art exhibition, Chorley’s award-winning RHS Chelsea Flower Show exhibit was unveiled in its new permanent home and the magnificent Astley Hall was transformed into a blaze of colour with beautiful floral decorations.

“It was a tremendous effort to get a show of this type and scale delivered and now we want to build it for years to come and make it an established attraction in the North West,” said Councillor Wilson.

“We’ve already had loads of people saying they want to come back next year and I’d like to thank all the exhibitors who were very encouraging and supportive throughout.