Southport Flower Show, sponsored by Ramsay Health Care, is once again shining a spotlight on families with a full programme of entertainment for all ages.
The four-day festival runs from this Thursday (20 August), through to Sunday (23 August). Show times are 10am to 6pm Thursday to Saturday, and 10am to 5pm on Sunday.
Last year, a new free children’s trail was introduced. And after plenty of positive feedback, it’s back with even more activities added to the route.
Children under 16 go free when accompanied by a paying adult.
Southport Flower Show is the UK’s largest independent flower show, and organisers are gearing up to welcome more than 50,000 visitors to Victoria Park across the four days.
Organisers recently announced two new highlights for this year, which will be a hit with families at the show.
The world-famous Red Devils Parachute Display Team will treat visitors to a spectacular display at 12pm on the first day of the show (Thursday). The team will descend into Victoria Park, landing on a designated area adjacent to the Southport Flower Show showground.
Following the display, the Red Devils will remain on site for approximately two hours, giving visitors the opportunity to meet the parachutists, ask questions, and take photographs.
Official charity of Liverpool Football Club, the LFC Foundation, will attend all four days. Attractions include a striking 8ft LFC Foundation flowerpot installation complete with free LFC Foundation seed packet giveaways; sports activities including golf and tennis; and LFC memorabilia prize draws and mystery boxes.
The LFC Foundation will also be offering exclusive photo opportunities with the UEFA Champions League Trophy. Interactive sports activities with the team will take place on Thursday and Friday only (August 20 and 21).
The LFC Foundation have previously attended Southport Flower Show with a dedicated show garden display in 2023 to highlight mental health awareness.
Building on the success of last year’s family programme, the children’s trail is back by popular demand – and with even more attractions. Trail maps are available at the entrance gates or from the information stands located across Victoria Park.
The hugely popular Natterjack Alpacas from Ormskirk also make a welcome return. Features also include a doodle wall; meet Squirrel the Shetland Pony (Friday and Sunday only); beehive and honey marquee; tennis skills with Sam Jalloh; Forest School supported by Gang Of Elk; Scarecrow Maze sponsored by Waterstones; The Kids’ Potting Shed supported by Rotary Eco Group; alongside entertaining displays in the outdoor showground arena from dogs, birds of prey, and horses.
Another new additional for 2026 is The Lakeside Reset, a wellbeing and mindfulness zone to support anyone needing a peaceful space to relax and recharge during their visit.
Located in a huge teepee, The Lakeside Reset is hosted by Sharon Stock of Dairy Holistic Hub and supported by Wild Thang. A full programme of sessions includes yoga for beginners; Kidz Fun Fitness with Kinetics; meditation; sound baths; and other inspiring wellbeing experiences for all ages.
But that’s not all, celebrities are coming along too.
On Saturday (22 August), children’s television presenter Andy Day bring his own family show Andy’s Dino Raps to Southport, packed with interactive fun and catchy raps about everyone’s favourite dinosaurs. The show will be in the Garden Theatre at 1pm and 4pm.
The fun continues on Sunday (23 August). Justin Fletcher is a singer and television presenter – and he has been a highlight of the show with families for many years. Catch the show in the Garden Theatre at 11am and 1pm.
Justin is followed on Sunday in the Garden Theatre by Lee Connelly, who also makes a welcome return. As the UK’s leading children’s gardening educator, Lee brings this new high energy show to Southport, blending education, entertainment, and hands-on participation to inspire families to grow, care, and play together. Show times are 12pm and 2pm.
Mr Motivator will be at The Lakeside Reset at 12.45pm on Sunday (23 August). Derrick Evans MBE built a loyal following through his energetic television fitness routines over 30 years ago – and he continues to inspire audiences through his trademark positivity, resilience, and belief that it is never too late to move, change, and feel good. Derrick is the founder of Mr Motivator’s Bed Bank, a charity tackling bed poverty and supporting children and families who do not have access to a safe and comfortable place to sleep.
Alan Adams, General Manager of Southport Flower Show, commented:
Southport Flower Show is for everyone, young and old alike – we love nothing more than seeing generations of families come along and share the experience.
In the same way we highlight that there is so much more to the festival than flowers alone, it’s equally important that we showcase how much is available for youngsters and families – entertainment, animals, wellbeing, a maze, art, and sports.
We received so much positive feedback last year with the launch of the children’s trail, that we have built on its success by making it even bigger for 2026. We are confident this will once again be a fantastic attraction and a fun way to make your way round the show.
We strive to make Southport Flower Show as family friendly and accessible as possible, by welcoming children under 16 to visit free with a paying adult.
Special guests at this year’s show also include Anton Du Beke, Iolo Williams, Megan McCubbin, Su Pollard, Rob Rinder; television garden personalities Adam Frost, Arit Anderson, Joe Swift, and Lee Burkhill; television chefs Phil Vickery, Briony May Williams, and Candice Brown.
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; and live music performances on the Piazza Stage.
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