THE organisers of Taunton Flower Show are planning to return to Vivary Park next summer for the first time in three years.

The pandemic saw the 2020 event cancelled altogether, while this year a reduced event was staged on Castle Green.

Preparations are already well underway to hold the 'Chelsea of the West' in the town centre park for the first time since 2019 on Friday and Saturday, August 5 and 6.

Major changes this year to ensure everyone's safety include indoor spaces limited where possible; cashless gates, so advance tickets should be purchased; no car parking at the show, so visitors are advised to use the town's park and ride facility or pay and display car parks.

Tens of thousands of visitors from Somerset and across the South West regularly attend the event, which has been put on annually since 1831, making it the longest running flower show in the country.

A show spokesperson said: "We are planning a fabulous show back in Vivary Park.

"Membership is now available to buy, and day tickets will be online soon.

"The team are working hard to book up the traders, caterers and entertainers to give you a show to remember."

Details of the competition classes for 2022 and how to enter are in the competition booklet, which can be downloaded from the show website.

The committee is always looking to recruit volunteers to enable the show to happen - the team consists of around 350 helpers.

Roles range from selling tickets and programmes, stewarding, assisting in the competition marquee, stacking chairs and table and litter picking.

The spokesperson said: "Taunton Flower Show is a great community event, attracting many thousands of local residents as well as visitors from the wider region.

"However, the show would not be possible without the willing help of its many volunteers.

"Taunton Flower Show is a brilliant example of a volunteer force working together to produce one of the most prestigious shows in the South West."

Organisers have been busy booking up a full programme of entertainment at the two-day event. Full details will be released in due course.

For further information, to check out the competition programme, to offer your services as a volunteer or to book space as a trader of exhibitor, click HERE.