Manchester BID’s prestigious Manchester Flower Show returns to the city this June and we are looking for entries from the region’s professional and amateur gardeners, florists, landscapers, architects, charities and schools.
The event – a key part of the city’s annual King Street Festival – pays homage to the original Manchester Flower Show which began in 1955 and returned to the city two years ago after a 15 year hiatus.
Bringing King Street into bloom, The Manchester Flower Show, with the support of RHS Bridgewater, will showcase the region’s floristry, produce and gardening talent, alongside a market of gardening products, outdoor accessories and flowers over the weekend of the King Street Festival on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 June.
Manchester BID is seeking entries from the region’s gardeners, landscapers, architects, florists, charities and schools to showcase their talent and help create an unforgettable floral takeover of one of the city’s most prestigious streets. Celebrating Manchester’s cultural diversity, this year’s theme is ‘Around the World’ and can be interpreted in many ways, from choosing a country or national flower to taking inspiration from a particular terrain or country’s flag. Organisers are looking for a diverse mix of entries which could include desert cacti, English roses, coastal beaches, Japanese wall and rock gardens and French vineyards.
New for 2020 is a dedicated schools category, judged by the Royal Horticultural Society, in which schools can enter designs for a small planter which represents their favourite holiday. Entries can be from an individual pupil, class or the whole school collectively; planters should be designed using a reused, recycled or inexpensive object which showcases an innovative use of materials and appropriate plants that communicate the theme and message of the school. Entries could be inspired by a beach holiday, a sports camp, or even a particularly memorable weekend at the park during summer holidays. To download more information and to apply visit Manchester Flower Show School Applications.
In addition to the category for schools, there are three further categories, all judged by Royal Horticultural Society Head Gardeners, with winners receiving a coveted Manchester Flower Show rosette and the chance to be crowned ‘Best in Show’.
Pocket Garden – Aimed at professional and novice garden designers, artists, architects, landscaping and garden companies, cultural attractions, charities, universities and colleges, these small show gardens (from 2m x 5m) should demonstrate high quality, creative design and build, with innovative use of materials and appropriate plants that communicate the theme and the message of the brand or group to visitors.
Green Takeover – Taking over urban features such as lamp posts, balconies, entranceways or even bus stops, these inventive and unusual green installations should demonstrate high quality, creative design and innovative use of materials and plants that would thrive in an inner city setting. This category is aimed at professional garden designers, floral event companies, artists, architects, landscaping and garden companies, cultural attractions, charities, universities and colleges.
Floral Bicycle – A quirky and fun category, perfect for amateurs and first timers or a creative challenge for more established florists and growers, entries need to display plants, flowers or cut flowers using a bicycle as the base.
Entry is free, with no cost for using the spaces allocated. The deadline for completed applications is Friday 6 April 2020. For more information and to download an application form visit Manchester Flower Show applications or contact lucy.russell@cityco.com.
Opportunities are also available for flower, plant, produce, artwork and ceramics traders at the Flower Market and community gardening groups, wildlife societies and horticultural colleges can share details of their latest inspiring projects and services by bringing an information stand. Alongside stalls and information stands, organisers welcoming anyone wanting to run interactive workshops or demonstrations such as floral crown making and beginner’s flower arranging.
Home to timeless architecture and a rich history, King Street has remained Manchester’s most iconic shopping street since the 1800s. The King Street Festival celebrates its past, present and future with a fashionable weekend of live music, alfresco dining, conversation, historical tours, cocktail trails, VIP shopping experiences, the Manchester Flower Show and much more.
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