Crowds turned out in their thousands for the second of four days of the Southport Flower Show on Friday, August 21, with celebrities among those enjoying the event at Victoria Park.
The UK's largest independent flower show drew gardening enthusiasts and glamorous groups out for Ladies Day, with visitors enjoying floral arrangements, show gardens, food and drinks, a pop-up retail village and the chance to feed alpacas.
Ladies Day and celebrity guests
Gates opened at 10am, and hundreds of women turned out in their best outfits, with some hoping to win the prize for "Best Dressed" on Ladies Day. Yellow gowns and cream two-piece suits were worn as ladies sipped rose prosecco in the white marquee in the centre of the park.
Famous faces in attendance included actress Su Pollard, TV chef Phil Vickery and former boxer Tony Bellew. Tony was brought in as a last-minute addition to replace TV judge Rob Rinder, who was unable to attend following the recent loss of his father.
Stars praise the event
Tony Bellew said he was amazed by the scale of the event, telling the ECHO: "I'm amazed at how many people are here and how big the whole event is. It's just beautiful to see people come together."
He added: "Southport has been through some very difficult times, but there are so many beautiful things going on for Southport. They've done an amazing job with the Flower Show."
Su Pollard, best known for starring in the BBC sitcom Hi-de-Hi!, said: "I'm well impressed. The organisation has been terrific, what's not to love really- it's been fantastic."
TV chef Phil Vickery made an appearance for the fourth year running, saying: "It's a fabulous day out, it's supremely professional, it's a great place to come especially on a sunny day like today."
Alpacas and community spirit
Natterjack Alpacas, based in Ormskirk, were also in attendance, giving guests the opportunity to feed the alpacas. Clara from Natterjack Alpacas said: "We were invited last year and we definitely had to come back this year."
She added: "It's a lovely sense of community and it's got a really nice feel about it. Everyone has been so welcoming and friendly."
Southport Flower Show will continue for two more days, ending on Sunday, August 23.
