On Sunday the 3 August, the 27th annual Knowsley Flower Show attracted more than 14,000 visitors to Court Hey Park with its vibrant mix of floral displays, creative workshops, and lively entertainment celebrating both horticulture and community spirit.
The festivities kicked off a day earlier with the hugely popular Feelgood Festival, which attracted more than 10,000 visitors for a day packed with health and wellbeing activities.
Visitors could participate in meditation, mental health talks, road safety support and free bike marking from Merseyside Police as well as host of family activities including a funfair, face painting and bubble displays.
“Freedom and Flow” workshops hosted by Knowsley-based Pyromancy Productions. promoted self-expression, mindfulness, and well-being through movement, creating a safe space for all ages and abilities and huge crowds gathered to be part of a mass Zumba session, led by instructor Jenny.
On Sunday, the Flower Show continued the weekend’s high spirits with an electrifying parade led by the Katumba drumming band moving through the festival site, creating an impromptu procession as visitors of all ages joined in the dancing.
The show’s theme of ‘Sculpture’ was beautifully woven throughout the park. Attendees were greeted by a magnificent new marquee entrance arch, crafted from stunning flowers by artist Ruth Moilliet, which stood alongside impressive willow letters spelling out “KFS” created by Sarah Gallagher of Twigtwisters who’s willow-making workshops were a huge hit with visitors.
Kirby Gallery and Museum’s creative workshops were a hub of activity on Sunday with painting and craft activities for all skill levels as well as interactive displays that attracted lots of attention and hundreds of ‘selfies’
The new World Pavilion was a popular addition, featuring performances that showcased the diverse cultures within Knowsley and adding a global flair to the festivities. A key highlight was a bhangra dance performance by Milap, the energetic North Indian dance attracted crowds who were then encouraged to participate by the troupe.
Music and dance performances on Sunday also created a wonderful atmosphere, with families settling in to enjoy the music and grab a bite to eat from one of the many food vendors on site.
The Floral Pavilion once again showcased Knowsley’s top growers, crafters and bakers with over 100 categories represented in the annual competition. Officially opened by the Mayor and Mayoress of Knowsley along with Miss England, Charlotte Grant as a special guest.
Top honours went to Richard Burniston, who was awarded The Arthur Jackson Master Gardener Class. The prestigious Banksian Medal, donated by the Royal Horticultural Society, was presented to Chris Nightingale, while Helen Dolan was celebrated with The Joan Quilliam Best Exhibit in Show Trophy. The full list of this year’s winners can be found at www.knowsleyflowershow.co.uk
Richard Burniston Winner of The Arthur Jackson Master Gardener Class
Chris Nightingale, Winner of the RHS Banksian Medal
Helen Dolan Winner of The Joan Quilliam Best Exhibit in Show
The Flower Show secretary Christine Yates received a special recognition from the Royal Horticultural Society for her outstanding contribution, having been in the role since the show first began 27 years ago.
Show Secretary Christine Yates with her special recognition from the Royal Horticultural Society
Congratulations to Jill Marquis from Halewood, the very worthy winner of the Road Safety Team’s ‘win a bike’ competition. Jill hasn’t been on a bike for many years and entered the competition with the hope of winning to get herself more active. Jill was thrilled with her new bike and accessories supplied by John Geddes Cycles in Whiston and is looking forward to riding along The Liverpool Loop Line that is close to where she lives in Halewood.
Jill Marquis from Halewood with her bike she won
Cllr Shelley Powell, Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods said:
“Once again this has been an outstanding weekend of joy and community at Court Hey Park. We’ve welcomed some much-loved performers and traders back to the park this year but also created some brand-new experiences for visitors, including the phenomenal World Pavilion and spectacular sculptural installations by Ruth Moilliet.
“The feedback from the two events has been overwhelmingly positive, reinforcing their reputation as dynamic and inclusive community events with something for everyone. A huge thank you to everyone involved and particularly to our generous sponsors who ensure that this event remains free to the community every year.”
View the galleries from this year’s Feelgood Festival and Flower Show below:
