The four-week countdown is on until the gates of Southport Flower Show are thrown open to thousands of visitors this Summer.
The show returns for four days next month when Southport’s 34-acre Victoria Park is transformed into a horticultural haven bursting with colour, celebrities, live entertainment, a children’s trail, food and drink, and shopping.
Southport Flower Show 2026 runs from Thursday 20 August to Sunday 23 August. Show times are 10am to 6pm Thursday to Saturday, and 10am to 5pm on Sunday.
The event is the UK’s largest independent flower show, and organisers are gearing up to welcome more than 50,000 visitors across the four days.
This year’s special guests include Iolo Williams, Megan McCubbin, Su Pollard, Rob Rinder, and Mr Motivator; television garden personalities Adam Frost, Arit Anderson, Joe Swift, and Lee Burkhill; television chefs Phil Vickery, Briony May Williams, and Candice Brown; and children’s entertainers Andy Day and Justin Fletcher.
One other celebrity guest particularly looking forward to this year’s show, is someone flamboyant, full of flair, and who has already experience Southport Flower Show first-hand – Strictly Come Dancing judge Anton Du Beke.
The professional dancer, television presenter, and author, last attended the floral event spectacular in 2014. This time he returns on the Saturday of the show (22 August) firmly established as a popular judge on the smash-hit programme.
Anton has built a reputation as one of Britain’s most respected and recognisable performers. He joined the original line-up of Strictly professional dancers in 2004. Although he never won the Strictly glitterball trophy as a dancer, his charm, humour, and traditional ballroom expertise has made him one of the programme’s most popular and enduring professionals.
After almost two decades, Anton swapped the dancefloor for the judging panel in 2021 alongside Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, and Motsi Mabuse. His deep knowledge of dance and supportive approach quickly made him a favourite among viewers.
Beyond television, Anton is an accomplished author and singer. His debut novel, One Enchanted Evening, was published in 2018. Set in a glamorous 1930s London hotel, it became a Sunday Times bestseller and inspired a series of follow-up novels exploring themes of dance, romance, and ambition.
He has also released several music albums celebrating the golden age of swing and big band music, reflecting his lifelong love of classic performance and entertainment.
Anton Du Beke commented: “I really can’t wait to visit Southport Flower Show again, I’ll be there on Saturday 22 August. I have fond memories from my last appearance as the show opener back in 2014.
“It was a wonderful event, great atmosphere, with a family friendly environment – it’s an amazing day out! I look forward to seeing you in and around the show, and in the Garden Theatre at 12pm and 3pm on the Saturday for my Q&A chat.”
A packed programme spanning the four days features celebrity guest Q&A sessions in the Garden Theatre hosted by Kevin Duala from BBC Radio Merseyside; live demonstrations in the Cookery Theatre; live music performances on the Piazza Stage; and an outdoor show arena hosting dog display teams, birds of prey, and horse shows.
Horticultural highlights include spectacular award-winning show gardens, grand floral marquee, amateur grower and plant society exhibitors, floral art and raised bed displays, bees and honey marquee, and displays from local schools and charities.
Last year there was a spotlight on new family attractions – and due to popular demand, they are all back with even more additions for 2026. These include alpacas, children’s trail, doodle wall, children’s yoga, and tennis skills. Lakeside Reset is a wellbeing and mindfulness zone, new for this year.
This year’s headline sponsor is Ramsay Health Care. Travel partner Merseyrail, and show sponsor Smooth Radio. The Cookery Theatre is sponsored by Nationwide Produce and Viners.
Southport Flower Show is a registered charity. Any profit generated is reinvested into Victoria Park to pay for its maintenance all year round.
Some hospitality packages and afternoon tea tickets are still available. Ladies Day tickets and VIP packages are now sold out.
Early bird tickets can still be purchased in advance until Wednesday 19 August. Tickets are flexible and can be used on any one of the four days. Entry is free for children under 16 when accompanied by a paying adult.
Southport residents with PR8 or PR9 post codes can purchase discounted tickets for £20. Visit the show website for full details.
Alan Adams is General Manager of Southport Flower Show. He added: “We say it every year, but the show has come round so fast. We start planning for the following year’s show before the current show has even taken place, it’s such a huge job.
“This week marks just four weeks to go, and you can feel the anticipation really building. Southport Flower Show is not just flowers. Anton sums up the show perfectly – friendly, atmospheric, amazing!
“It’s a family friendly event featuring popular names from the world of entertainment, culinary stars, and horticultural experts. All taking place at the town’s 34-acre Victoria Park, a 34-acre showground – a jewel in the crown of Southport which brings the community together in so many ways.”
Full details can be found at www.southportflowershow.co.uk
