Alan Adams, General Manager of Southport Flower Show and Victoria Park, gives us an inside look at one of the UK’s most beloved and enduring summer festivals and explains why it’s a must-visit for all ages.
Q: Alan, for someone who’s never been before, what can they expect from the Southport Flower Show?
Alan: If you’ve never been, you’re in for a great day out. There’s so much to see and do – fantastic show gardens, floral displays, large amateur competitions, and lots of entertainment. We have a vibrant show arena with everything from dog displays to bird of prey demonstrations, and even show jumping. This year we’ve also introduced a fantastic children’s trail.
Children under 16 go free, and we’ve created a whole host of activities for them, from children’s entertainers like Justin Fletcher to hands-on fun around the park. Whether you’re 18 months or 108 years old, there’s genuinely something for everyone.
Q: What makes Southport Flower Show stand out from other events?
Alan: We’re not just a flower show – we’re a summer festival, a family day out, and a cultural celebration all rolled into one. That’s what makes us special. It’s very different from any other event of its kind. We’ve got food, drink, music, and experiences that go way beyond horticulture.
The stand-out reason to come? There’s something for absolutely everyone, no matter your age or interests.
Q: And why Southport as a destination?
Alan: Southport has a rich history as a seaside resort and is now positioning itself as a hub for arts, culture, and leisure. While the town has faced some challenges recently, there’s exciting investment happening and a real sense of momentum. It’s part of the Liverpool City Region and offers a beautiful coastal destination with loads to explore. It’s a great place to live, work, and of course, visit.
Q: Tell us a bit about Victoria Park and the events beyond the Flower Show.
Alan: Victoria Park is alive with activity all year round. After the Flower Show in August, we’ve got the Great British Motor Show on the 14th of September, followed by the British Musical Fireworks Championship at the end of the month – which this year includes a drone display! October brings the Southport Comedy Festival and Oktoberfest, and then we transition into winter ice skating through December and into January.
Next year kicks off with the Food and Drink Festival, more music events, antique fairs, car shows – you name it.
Q: How important is Southport Flower Show to the local community and economy?
Alan: The Southport Flower Show is actually a registered charity. All profits from the show and bookings at the park go straight back into supporting Victoria Park year-round. We don’t receive external funding – everything we earn is reinvested.
The Flower Show alone contributes £5 million to the local economy, and the park’s year-round events bring that figure to over £20 million. We estimate that half a million people visit Victoria Park annually.
Q: And how does the show support local businesses and sustainability?
Alan: We’re proud to work with local suppliers, from caterers to security teams to volunteers. It helps us reduce our carbon footprint and keeps our roots firmly in the community. We’re always striving to be more sustainable, and making the show as accessible as possible is also a big part of that. Victoria Park is flat, with accessible pathways throughout, making it ideal for wheelchairs, mobility scooters, or anyone with mobility challenges.
Q: How big is the show in terms of scale and audience?
Alan: Southport Flower Show is the fourth-largest paid-for event in the Liverpool City Region, attracting over 55,000 visitors across four days. It’s the largest independent flower show in the UK. That’s why collaboration with sponsors and partners is crucial – it allows us to keep growing and delivering the best experience possible.
Q: Lastly, how can people attend?
Alan: The 2025 Southport Flower Show takes place Thursday 14th August to Sunday, 17th August at Victoria Park. Tickets are available online at southportflowershow.co.uk. And don’t forget – children under 16 go free!