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The first Southport Flower Show was held in Victoria Park in 1924. It was organised and funded by the local Council and, with the exception of five years during World War 2, was held annually until 1986.

After the 1986 show, Sefton Council made the bombshell decision to withdraw funding and threw the future of the event into doubt.

But Southport people have always shown an extraordinary passion for and love of gardens and horticulture and were not prepared to lose their famous show. In true British spirit, a committee of local horticulturalists and business men was formed to negotiate with the council over the future of the Southport Flower Show.

Tensions on both sides were running high when they met in December 1986 but the mood was lifted after a symbolic gesture by Carl McClure, the leader of the local committee. When he entered the meeting with Sefton Council’s Resources Committee he placed a single orchid on the top table.

This poignant act pervaded the meeting and resulted in a deal being struck. The council agreed it would work in partnership with the local committee in organising one more show, in 1987, but would not underwrite any financial liabilities the show might incur. After that, the Southport Flower Show would have to stand on its own without any support from the public purse.

More than thirty years on, the Southport Flower Show is the UK's biggest independent flower show and our gratitude is extended to the individuals involved back in 1987 for their commitment.