The Southport Flower Show is back. After another successful year that drew tens of thousands of visitors, the 2026 edition is shaping up to be the most exciting one yet. Whether you are a dedicated gardener or simply looking for a great day out, this event has something for everyone. Here is everything you need to know before you go.
When Is the Southport Flower Show 2026?
The show runs from Thursday 20 August to Sunday 23 August 2026. That is four full days of gardens, flowers, food, and live entertainment. The gates open at 10am each day. From Thursday through Saturday, the show closes at 6pm. On Sunday, it wraps up slightly earlier at 5pm.
The venue is Victoria Park in Southport, with the postcode PR8 1RX. The park sits on the eastern edge of the town centre. It is approximately 15 minutes on foot from Southport railway station, making it very easy to reach without a car.
How to Get Your Tickets
Tickets are available online through Ticket Quarter at the official website, southportflowershow.co.uk. Buying in advance is strongly recommended. Not only does it save money, but it also means you avoid queuing at the gate.
Here is a quick breakdown of the ticket options:
- Early bird adult day tickets start from around £25 online
- Gate prices rise to approximately £30 on the day
- Children under 16 enter free when accompanied by a paying adult
- A 4-day Patron Pass is available for £90 online
- Afternoon Tea packages start from £55 and include entry
- Southport residents with a PR8 or PR9 postcode can access a discounted rate of approximately £19 with proof of address
Therefore, if you live locally or plan to attend all four days, there are real savings to be made by planning ahead.
Getting There
Merseyrail runs frequent services from Liverpool city centre to Southport station, taking around 45 minutes. Northern Rail also serves Southport from Manchester and Wigan. A dedicated shuttle bus (Route 27) runs from Southport station to the showground every 15 minutes across all four show days.
If you prefer to drive, Victoria Park has limited on-site parking. However, most visitors use the park-and-ride service operating from Birkdale Common (PR8 2LX) during the show. Town centre car parks are another option, with a 10 to 15 minute walk to the gates.
The Show Gardens: What to Expect
The show gardens are the centrepiece of the event. Each year, professional designers and landscapers create stunning display spaces that rival anything seen at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. The gardens are planted with perennials and annuals at their absolute seasonal peak in late August. The colours and scale are genuinely impressive.
Additionally, the Grand Floral Marquee is one of the most spectacular sights on the showground. It fills the air with fragrance and showcases competitive floral displays from growers across the country. The standard of work on display is extraordinary. Exhibitors spend months preparing for this single event.
The competitive horticulture section is also worth exploring. It covers flowers, vegetables, and floral art. Visitors often find this part of the show surprisingly absorbing, even if they did not expect to.
Celebrity Guests and Special Events in 2026
The 2026 show has already confirmed some exciting names. Adam Frost, the award-winning garden designer and BBC Gardeners’ World presenter, will appear on Thursday 20 August. He has won seven gold medals at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and is a familiar face to gardening fans across the UK.
Candice Brown, chef and owner of The Green Man pub in Eversholt, will join the show on Saturday 22 August. She brings her warm personality and food expertise to the live cookery stage.
Kevin Duala has been confirmed as the new compere. He is an Aria Gold Award-winning broadcaster with over 30 years of experience, including 25 years with the BBC and Channel 4. His presence will add energy and professionalism to the live events across all four days.
Furthermore, 2026 sees the launch of a brand-new Buskers Corner Stage, supported by Moonlight Events. Local musicians will perform throughout the show, adding even more atmosphere to the grounds.
Family Activities and the Schools Garden Competition
The Southport Flower Show is firmly a family-friendly event. Children under 16 get in free, which makes it an accessible day out for families of all sizes. There are plenty of activities designed specifically for younger visitors.
One of the highlights for 2026 is the introduction of Grow Wild Play, a live interactive show led by Lee Connelly, known as The Children’s Gardening Coach. The session blends education, entertainment, and hands-on participation. It is designed to inspire children to grow plants, support wildlife, and connect with the outdoors.
The Schools Garden Competition also returns this year, sponsored by Merseyrail and Postscript Books. The winning school will have their design built by MW Henshaw Landscapes. Rail travel vouchers and book bundles will be awarded to the winner and five runners-up. It is a wonderful initiative that brings horticulture into classrooms across the region.
Food, Drink and Shopping
Beyond the gardens, the show offers a rich food and drink experience. There is a dedicated food market with artisan producers, street food vendors, and specialty drinks. Live cookery demonstrations run throughout the weekend, giving visitors the chance to pick up new ideas and recipes.
Shopping is equally well catered for. Specialist nurseries, garden tool suppliers, home decor stalls, and gift traders all set up within the showground. It is easy to spend several hours browsing. Additionally, the Afternoon Tea experience remains one of the most popular packages. Booking early is advisable, as these spots tend to sell out.
Tips for First-Time Visitors
A few practical points are worth keeping in mind before you arrive. Comfortable footwear is essential, as the showground involves a lot of walking on grass and uneven paths. Dogs on short leads are welcome throughout the site, but remember to bring water and a bowl.
Arriving on a weekday, particularly on Thursday or Friday, tends to be quieter than the weekend. If you want to take your time in the show gardens or attend a celebrity talk without a crowd, Thursday morning is often the best choice. The weekend days are livelier and more festive in atmosphere, however, which suits families and groups well.
Conclusion
The Southport Flower Show 2026 takes place from 20 to 23 August at Victoria Park, Southport. Tickets start from £25 online, with free entry for under-16s. The 2026 event features confirmed celebrity guests including Adam Frost and Candice Brown, a new Buskers Corner Stage, and the return of beloved features like the Grand Floral Marquee and competitive horticulture. New additions such as Grow Wild Play and the Schools Garden Competition make this year’s show especially appealing for families. Whether you come for the gardens, the food, the entertainment, or simply a day out in the sunshine, this is one of the UK’s finest summer events.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Southport Flower Show 2026 dates?
The show runs from Thursday 20 August to Sunday 23 August 2026 at Victoria Park, Southport (PR8 1RX). Opening hours are 10am to 6pm Thursday to Saturday, and 10am to 5pm on Sunday.
How much do Southport Flower Show tickets cost in 2026?
Early bird adult tickets start from around £25 online. Gate prices are approximately £30. Children under 16 enter free with a paying adult. A 4-day Patron Pass costs £90. Local residents with a PR8 or PR9 postcode may qualify for a discounted rate of around £19.
Who are the celebrity guests at the 2026 show?
Confirmed guests include Adam Frost (BBC Gardeners’ World presenter) on Thursday 20 August and Candice Brown (chef and pub owner) on Saturday 22 August. Kevin Duala joins as the new compere for all four days.
Are dogs allowed at the Southport Flower Show?
Yes, dogs on short leads are welcome throughout the showground. It is advisable to bring water and a bowl for your pet, and to be mindful of other visitors in busy areas.
How do I get to the Southport Flower Show by public transport?
Merseyrail serves Southport from Liverpool city centre in around 45 minutes. Northern Rail connects from Manchester and Wigan. A dedicated shuttle bus (Route 27) runs from Southport station to the showground every 15 minutes on all four show days.
