A RECORD of over 500 people have submitted entries for this week’s Taunton Flower Show – up on the previous high of 388 set last year.

Judges will be busy inspecting 2,065 separate items early tomorrow (August 2), the opening day of the two-day ‘Chelsea of the West’ in Vivary Park, ahead of the arrival of an expected 14,000 visitors.

Show competition manager Ian Coleby welcomed the increase in numbers – he said: “I’m encouraged by our great success in attracting so many entries representing competitors aged between one and 100.

“Most divisions are benefiting from the increased numbers and I’m pleased to see that the horticultural entries are up by 99 on last year.

“The upturn may be a result of the recent spell of good weather, but it’s heartening to know we have so many keen gardeners, photographers, artists and craftsmen and women locally.

“Now we want to see a similar increase in the number of people who come along to Vivary Park on Friday and Saturday to enjoy their beautiful creations.”

Organisers are especially encouraged by the participation of 276 people for the first time, many of whom are youngsters.

Show marketing director is relieved the sunshine held long enough so contractors could put up the marquees ahead of schedule.

Among the new attractions at the show is local artist in residence Norman Steel, who is creating an image of the park’s bandstand using a ‘canvas’ of sandpaper and the application of acrylic ink over-painted with pastel sticks.

Norman, a retired vicar, said: “I’m looking forward to capturing something of the special atmosphere that distinguishes this long-running cultural event.

“I’m particularly eager to reflect the vibrant contribution by the young members of the Rossendale Scout Band who will provide much of the music at the show.”

FRIDAY

9.30am: Show opens to members.
10.30am: Shows opens to the public.
11am to 11.30am: Rossendale Scout Band.
11.30am to 12noon: Police dogs.
12.15pm to 1pm: Experience Falconry.
12.30pm: Beekeepers’ demonstration.
1.30pm to 2pm: Jamie Squibb freestyle
motorcycle stunt show.
2.30pm to 3pm: Rossendale Scout Band.
3pm to 3.30pm: Children’s parachute game.
3pm: Beekeepers’ demonstration.
4.30pm to 5.15pm: Experience Falconry.
5.30pm to 6pm: Jamie Squibb freestyle
motorcycle stunt show.
6.15pm to 6.45pm: Rossendale Scout Band
finale.
7pm: Close.

FLORAL MARQUEE TALKS:

1pm to 1.30pm: Garden designer Iain Truman,
‘Sustainable Gardening’.
2pm to 2.30pm: Anne Swithinbank, ‘Making a
New Garden’.
3pm to 3.30pm: Ian Parsons, ‘The Care of
Orchids’.
4pm to 4.30pm: ‘The Trials of Building a new
Garden on a Building Site’.

SATURDAY

10am: Show opens.
11am to 11.30am: Rossendale Scout Band.
11.30am to noon: Police dogs.
12noon to 12.45pm: Experience Falconry.
12.30pm: Beekeepers’ demonstration.
1.30pm to 2pm: Jamie Squibb freestyle
motorcycle stunt show.
2.30pm to 3pm: Rossendale Scout Band.
3pm to 3.30pm: Children’s parachute games.
3pm: Beekeepers’ demonstration.
4pm to 4.30pm: Experience Falconry.
4.30pm: Prize giving in competitive marquee.
4.30pm: Plant sell-off in floral marquee.
4.45pm to 5.15pm: Jamie Squibb freestyle
motorcycle stunt show.
5.30pm to 6pm: Rossendale Scout Band finale.
6pm: Show closes.

FLORAL MARQUEE TALKS:

1pm to 1.30pm: Garden designer Sally Leaney.
2pm to 2.30pm: Floyd’s Clematis, ‘Climbers in
the Garden’.
3pm to 3.30pm: Anne Leamon, ‘The History of
Taunton Flower Show’.

TICKETS

Over-18s £12 on Friday, £10 on Saturday;
children under 17 free when accompanied by a
paying adult.