TAUNTON Flower Show's competition classes for 2025 are open for entries, with "everyone welcome" to take part for the chance to win a share of the £5,000 prize money and the 50 trophies up for grabs.
The competitive classes have been running since 1831 and have sections for fruit, vegetables, flowers, homecrafts, floral art, floristry, winemaking and photography for adults, plus an array of creative sections for those aged under 17.
Those who have visited the Competition Marquee in years past will have seen the big Display entries for Division 1, and this year the title is called ‘The Allotment’. This is open to all informal groups, gardening clubs, associations, and societies.
Divisions 2 and 3 are all about flowers, fruit, and vegetables, for those interested in growing. Meanwhile, division 4 is specifically for novices - for those exhibitors who have not won a first prize previously in the show.
The Floral Marquee will play host to Gardeners' Question Time, as well as talks from Chris Hull from BBC Garden Rescue and Ric Johnson.
The most popular competitions at Taunton Flower Show can be found in Division 5 where many people compete every year to make the best Victoria Sponge. There are all sorts of cooking classes to enter, and for those new to entering and who want to have a go, the novice baking category this year is to bake 5 pieces of a traybake of their competitors’ choice.
The craft and textile classes this year have lots of choices for those who love to make and craft. Visitors can vote for their favourite textile entry in the people’s choice awards for some of the textile classes.
Keen photographers may want to enter the photography competition classes. With titles such as 'Spring' and 'Happiness', there is something to suit all types and styles of photographers.
The Floral Art and Floristry classes in Division 8 play host to some of the finest floral art in the Westcountry. Competitors are given a set theme, and then they use their imagination and skills to create the outstanding displays for which Taunton Flower Show is famous.
When visiting the Competition Marquee after the judging, make sure you take the time to read the judges' comments on the award cards, which will give you an insight into how the judges make their decisions. Our Floral Art competition area is organised with the help of Taunton Flower Club and is judged in accordance with NAFAS Competitions Manual.
The theme across Division 10 this year is ‘Stage and Screen’ and is for youngsters to let their imaginations run wild! You will see everything from animals made from fruit and vegetables, misshapen vegetables, and handwriting.
There are also several classes for young people to have a go at flower arranging through the 'fun with flowers' competition, where each competitor is given identical plant material and accessories and must arrange on a set theme - all working at the same time in the marquee.
They also host the Taunton Flower Show Young Photographer of the Year – showing the next generation of talented photographers. This year’s categories include in the woods, a somerset scene and wildlife in action.
The competition booklet and details about how to enter can be found at the website tauntonfs.co.uk. You can also pick up a booklet from Taunton Visitors Centre and Monkton Elm Garden Centre.
Share