Southport Flying High With Excitement As Red Devils Set To Soar Into Flower Show

Image credit: Image courtesy of Red Devils / Southport Flower Show

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The Southport Flower Show will feature a special aerial display by the Red Devils Parachute Display Team on its opening day, 20 August 2026. This event, part of the UK's largest independent flower show, is expected to attract over 50,000 visitors and includes various attractions such as celebrity appearances, live entertainment, and interactive activities. The show aims to provide a diverse experience while reinvesting profits into the maintenance of Victoria Park.

EDITORIAL INSIGHT: Context, industry insight and market perspectives of this news story

This year’s addition of the Red Devils Parachute Display Team brings a new dimension to Southport Flower Show’s opening day, offering a high-profile spectacle alongside the event’s established horticultural focus. The move reflects organisers’ ongoing efforts to broaden the show’s appeal and deliver value for the anticipated 50,000-plus visitors, while maintaining the event’s status as the UK’s largest independent flower show.

For the local area, the show remains a significant annual draw, supporting both tourism and the profile of Victoria Park, with profits reinvested into the park’s upkeep. The inclusion of high-profile guests and interactive features, such as the LFC Foundation’s activities, highlights a trend among large-scale events to diversify entertainment and attract wider audiences, particularly families and younger attendees.

Press Release

Wednesday 12 August 2026

Organisers of Southport Flower Show are taking this year’s event to new heights with the announcement of some extra special guests.

The world-famous Red Devils Parachute Display Team will perform a thrilling aerial display on the opening day of the four-day festival next week.

The Red Devils, the British Army’s official parachute display team, are renowned for their precision, professionalism and breathtaking displays, performing at major events across the UK and internationally.

Their appearance at Southport Flower Show promises to be one of the highlights of this year’s show.

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 show sees the town’s 34-acre Victoria Park transformed into a horticultural haven bursting with colour, celebrities, live entertainment, a children’s trail, food and drink, and shopping.

Southport Flower Show is the UK’s largest independent flower show, and organisers are gearing up to welcome more than 50,000 visitors across the four days.

Visitors to the show on opening day – Thursday 20 August – can look forward to a spectacular display from the team at 12pm.

Weather permitting, spectators will witness the team descend into Victoria Park, landing on a designated area adjacent to the Southport Flower Show showground.

Following the display, members of the team will remain on site for approximately two hours, giving visitors the opportunity to meet the parachutists, ask questions, and take photographs.

Gates open at 10am, and visitors are encouraged to arrive early to secure a good viewing position.

Alan Adams, General Manager of Southport Flower Show, commented: “We are thrilled to welcome the Red Devils to this year’s Southport Flower Show. Their aerial display will be a fantastic spectacle and an exciting addition to our entertainment programme.

“Scheduling the display at midday means even more visitors will be able to enjoy this incredible experience, and we’re looking forward to welcoming families and aviation enthusiasts alike to witness one of the UK’s premier parachute display teams in action.”

The Red Devils have been representing the British Army since 1964, and are recognised as one of the country’s leading military display teams. Their performances demonstrate exceptional skill, teamwork and precision, making them a firm favourite at public events.

The Red Devils announcement follows last week’s confirmation that the LFC Foundation will also be attending, offering visitors photo opportunities with the UEFA Champions League trophy.

The LFC Foundation is the official charity of Liverpool Football Club. They will also have their own 8ft floral display, interactive sporting activities, and giveaways.

Special guests at this year’s show include Anton Du Beke, 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.

A packed programme 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; an outdoor show arena hosting dog display teams, birds of prey, and horse shows; family friendly programme, including a children’s trail; and new for this year is wellbeing and mindfulness zone Lakeside Reset.

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.

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.

Full details can be found at www.southportflowershow.co.uk

Notes to editors

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT SOUTHPORT FLOWER SHOW: Last year’s new family attractions are back due to popular demand. 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. 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. Southport residents with PR8 or PR9 post codes can purchase discounted tickets for £20. Visit the show website for full details. MEDIA ARE REQUESTED TO CONFIRM ATTENDANCE IN ADVANCE Media wishing to attend must request a Press Badge prior to the event, please email [email protected] Media requesting interviews are asked to do so in advance, where possible. SOUTHPORT FLOWER SHOW INFORMATION SHOW DAYS: Thursday 20 August 2026 Friday 21 August 2026 Saturday 22 August 2026 Sunday 23 August 2026 ADDRESS: Victoria Park, Southport, Merseyside, PR8 1RX SHOW TIMES: Thursday to Saturday gates open 10am-6pm Sunday gates open 10am-5pm PRICING: Early bird tickets are available until Wednesday 19 August (in advance of the show) for £28 plus fees Gate price is £32 Late entry ticket on Friday/Saturday/Sunday £20 after 3pm Children under 16 free when accompanied by paying adult GENERAL: Well behaved dogs on leads are allowed into the show. Victoria Park has Changing Places toilet facilities on the park all year round. A radar key is needed. Additional information can be found at www.southportflowershow.co.uk/faqs/ www.southportflowershow.co.uk

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