Falmouth Spring Flower Show 2017
Since Queen Victorias’ 2nd daughter, Princess Christian opened the first flower show on April 21st 1910 at Gyllnygdune Gardens, it has continued to herald the start of spring, drawing hundreds of visitors from near and far each year.
Only stopping for a number of years during the two world wars, the flower show has been consistent in showcasing the spectacular flora, fauna and creative talents Cornwall has to offer. During the 1950’s and 60’s the beautiful collections of flowers and shrubs were packed up and dispatched at the end of each show, to be displayed at department stores across the Country. Enticed by the milder climate and beauty such colourful and often rarely seen displays promised, the show did much to increase the tourism trade in Cornwall.
In 1911 the flower show and newly built, and aptly named ‘Princess Pavilion’, was opened and officially named by Queen Victoria’s granddaughter Princes Alexander.
With the edition of locally grown produce in the following years the show grew too big for Gyllyngdune Gardens and the Princess Pavilion, and so it was moved to the Drill Halls on Bar Road. Eventually the demand for Cornish produce declined and the flower show once again returned to Princess Pavilion and the location to which it is well known today.
Over the years the show has welcomed many famous guests including, in 1888 Prime Minister George Lloyds wife, Dame Margaret Lloyd George, pioneering English aviator Amy Johnson and Antarctic explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton.
In 1969 the show was chaired by its first female Chairman, Betty Forsyth who later went on to become the shows first female President. Today the show continues to be a not for profit organisation, organised and managed by a team of dedicated volunteers.
Falmouth Spring Flower Show, takes place at, The Princess Pavilion, Gyllyngdune Gardens. Entry £3 , children 16 and under admitted free.
Saturday 18thMarch 10.00 am to 5.00pm. Sunday 19th March, 10.00am to 4.00pm.
With presentation of cups by Mayor Grenville Chappel at 3.30 pm on the Sunday
For more information take a look at the Falmouth Flower Show Facebook page
