THE ‘Chelsea of the West’, Taunton Flower Show, takes place at Vivary Park on Friday, August 2 and Saturday 3.

There will be plants, floral displays and designer gardens showcasing national horticultural excellence, along with a varied programme of music and entertainment, and plenty of trading and catering stalls.

The competition marquee will be hosting a range of entrants in many different classes including amateur gardening, creative crafts, floral artistry, winemaking and photography. Top quality traders will be exhibiting in the floral marquee, including an amazing floral display from Monkton Elm Garden Centre. This year, there will be a Show Garden by People’s Choice 2023 winner, Ric Johnson. The garden, with a contemporary and natural design, will be built in six days before the show.

Speakers this year include William Sitwell and Claire Greenslade. William will be offering an insight into this time as a food critic and MasterChef, while Claire will be talking about her work as head gardener at Hestercombe.

The arena entertainment features something for everyone. Extreme Bike Battle will impress audiences with their adrenaline-fuelled show. Animal lovers will enjoy seeing David Seamark’s sheepdog demonstrations and K&H Falconry with their birds of prey.

In the Children’s Village there will be face painting, a mini ‘Ready, Steady, Garden’ competition, close-up theatre entertainment from Magic Alex and various games.  All activities are provided for children free of charge; admission for children is free with a paying adult.

Musical acts on the ToneFM stages include vocalist Tom Brain, the Liberty Sisters with their close harmony jazz and swing classics from the 1930s to 1950s, Glastonbury Brass and drumming group Skintight Samba. The stages will also host community acts such as Taunton Scout and Guide Gang Show and Singing for Fun.

There will be plenty of choice when it comes to food and drink, with a range of traders selling meals, snacks and sweet treats, along with licensed bars and coffee stalls. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free options will be available.

Tickets for the Taunton Flower Show are available in advance from tauntonfs.co.uk, Taunton Visitors Centre and Hatchers department store. Children are admitted free with a paying adult. Entry for the public is at 10:30am on Friday and 9:30am on Saturday. The show closes at 6pm on both days.