Your guide to the Southport Flower Show 2026

The Southport Flower Show is set to open next week with a display by the British Army's Red Devils parachute team.

The team will descend into Victoria Park at about midday on Thursday 20 August before spending around two hours meeting visitors and posing for photographs.

Organisers said family attractions introduced last year, including alpacas, a children's trail and tennis activities, would also return.

The show opens at 10:00 BST and runs until Sunday 23 August.

Victoria Park will remain open until 18:00 on the first three days, before closing at 17:00 on Sunday.

The 34-acre site will host displays, performances, activities and food and drink stalls and is expected to attract about 50,000 visitors.

The Red Devils are scheduled to begin their display about 12:00 and visitors have been encouraged to arrive early.

Alan Adams, general manager of Southport Flower Show, said: "Scheduling the display at midday means even more visitors will be able to enjoy this incredible experience, and we're looking forward to welcoming families and aviation enthusiasts alike to witness one of the UK's premier parachute display teams in action."

The event will also feature celebrity guests including Strictly Come Dancing star Anton du Beke.

Football fans will be able to pose for pictures with the UEFA Champions League Trophy as part of a display by the LFC Foundation.

Other attractions include live cookery demonstrations, music performances and outdoor displays featuring dog teams, birds of prey and horses.

Horticultural attractions include show gardens, a floral marquee, amateur growers and plant societies, flower art displays and exhibits from local schools and charities.

Visitors travelling by train can buy discounted entry tickets from Merseyrail ticket offices.

Merseyrail said return travel to Southport from other stations on its network would cost £2 on event days.

A shuttle bus will also run between Southport station and the showground every 15 minutes. The service is operated by Arriva and charges apply.

Sefton Council has approved road closures and parking restrictions around Victoria Park during the event.

Rotten Row will be closed from 08:00 today until 19:00 on Sunday.

Temporary parking restrictions will also be in place around the park, including on The Esplanade, Palace Road, Westcliffe Road, Lulworth Road, Duke Street and Victoria Way.

Motorists are advised to check local signage for details of the restrictions.

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