Popular flower show returns to historic Belvoir Castle

Exhibitor applications are invited for year two of the Belvoir Flower & Garden Festival. Set in the stunning Capability Brown parkland landscape of Belvoir Castle, Leicestershire, the event takes place on 13th and 14th of July 2019. Building on last year’s inaugural show, which attracted around 3,000 visitors, the festival is set on the banks of the Belvoir estate’s upper lake, which is fed by the River Devon, with wonderful panoramic views of Belvoir Castle and the surrounding countryside. 

Show organiser, Andy Tudbury, says: 

“We’re looking forward to building on our successful launch in 2018 by continuing to offer inspiration for all those with a love of gardens and gardening in an unrivalled setting. In addition to show gardens, there will be opportunities to buy plants, garden equipment, ornaments and furniture and craft items for the home and garden and we have already started taking exhibitor bookings. This is the only event of its kind in this part of the country and so we’re expecting attendance to increase this year as interest and awareness grow.”

Applications and expressions of interest are invited in the following categories:

• Show Gardens – to be staged outside. Plot sizes vary – all design ideas welcomed 
• Floral / Nursery exhibits
• Trade Stands (garden sundries)
• Schools/Colleges/Association
• Local Craftspeople and Artisans
• ‘Countryside Borders’ competition sponsored by The London College of Garden Design

Joining Andy’s team for 2019 is Stephen Bennett, an independent events consultant who was Shows Director of the Royal Horticultural Society for 28 years. Stephen says:

“This event has all the hallmarks of a really great garden show in the making – an absolutely stunning setting by the lake, a wealth of local talent and an audience hungry for this type of event. I’m enjoying working with Andy and his team and look forward to speaking to exhibitors over the coming weeks to create a truly memorable show at Belvoir Castle.”

The show will once again support Perennial, the horticulture trade charity, with a donation to Perennial from each ticket purchased. In 2019 the show will also welcome Macmillan, High Ground and Team Edward Labrador Rescue as additional charity partners.

Several exhibitors from 2018 will return this year, including Hardy’s Cottage Garden Plants from Hampshire. Rosie Hardy says: 

“We loved the show last year and are really looking forward to returning to the incredible setting of Belvoir Castle estate. The timing is great – neatly slotted in between other shows we attend – and we really felt that local visitors were thrilled to finally have their own garden festival rather than having to travel to some of the larger, more established shows. We would recommend it to new exhibitors and look forward to seeing some familiar faces in July.”

To complement the garden content, horticulture experts will be on hand to answer visitor questions in the talks tent. Local artists will perform on the music stage and a range of food and refreshments will be on offer. 

Tickets are going on sale shortly and all exhibitor enquiries should be made to Andy Tudbury by email at halcyondays.ge@gmail.com or by phone on +44(0)7713 029898.