THE charity which organises Taunton Flower Show has hailed this year’s event a great success - despite the weather.

Stunning floral displays along with the amazing competition marquee and vast range of traders and caterers gave visitors lots to enjoy over Friday and Saturday (August 4 and 5).

Show chairman Steve Fround said: "We are delighted that so many visitors decided to enjoy the many attractions on offer."

Among the highlights were the stunning designer gardens, with Sally Leaney winning the cup for best garden.

Her creation ‘Adapting to Change’ showcased the possibilities for re-styling gardens to the changing weather.

Ric Johnson’s garden ‘Wander’ won the people’s choice, with visitors voting for their favourite garden over both days of the show.

In the arena, The BMX Show wowed the crowds with exciting displays and Nicky De Neumann and Nick Gregory’s gun dogs entertained the crowds.

The Rock choir delighted visitors on Friday with a 100-strong choir in the arena.

The diversity of music and arena entertainment drew praise from the wide spectrum of visitors with contributions from the Brass Junkies and Batala, as well as the amazing young people displaying their musical talents on the 10 Radio stage.

The competition tent was a riot of colour, scent and tastes and entries were up 25 per cent on last year.

The neighbouring floral tent showcased stunning displays by professional traders and the Artisan Village provided an interesting range of music and local designers, makers and producers for visitors to enjoy.

The 2023 Ready Steady Garden competition saw teams competing to design a garden container in a tractor tyre on both days.

Organisers were delighted to have three teams of young people competing on Saturday for the Kearle Cup, gifted to the show to encourage young people to develop an interest in horticulture.

A full list of competition winners will appear on the show’s website HERE.

The charity hopes the success of this year’s show will continue to help them recover from the difficulties faced over the pandemic and increasing costs associated with organising the event.

Chairman Steve Froud added: "The show would not be possible without the amazing support of over 400 volunteers helping to bring the show together, as well as the members, sponsors and all those who make the show happen."