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Enjoy horticulture heaven

Angela Kelly
13/ 8/2008

HEAD for Southport next week for a bloomin’ good day out as its famous Flower Show delights the crowds.

It starts on Thursday when popular TV presenter Coleen Nolan officially opens the event at 10am, and it runs until Sunday.

The show is now in its 79th year and attracts more than 80,000 visitors to the resort’s Victoria Park. This is transformed into the perfect setting to experience the best in garden design and exceptional floral displays, plus everything the amateur or professional gardener could desire – from a packet of seeds to a complete garden makeover.

Celebrity gardeners will also be on hand to offer hints and tips, and there’s the chance to sample the region’s finest food and drink.

There’s also entertainment for all the family, ranging from exciting acrobatics to the birds of prey show, with a children’s area housing healthy eating and fun activities.

And Friday is Ladies’ Day, with champagne and refreshments, beauty demonstrations and fabulous fashion shows. For tickets visit www.southportflowershow.co.uk or ring 0844 847 1555.

GET back to nature at Urmston on Saturday when holders at the Granville Allotments show off their best produce. The vegetable and flower show at Granville Road and Westbourne Park gives amateur growers a showcase, with the sale of freshly dug and cut produce, teas, cakes and a raffle. Southport Flower Show it’s not, but it’s a pleasant way for locals to spend a couple of hours relaxing. It runs from 2pm and entry is free.

YOUNGSTERS interested in being actors or working in the theatre will enjoy a week of activities at Hulme’s Zion Arts Centre. Play in a Week is for five to 25-year-olds and offers the chance to try acting or working backstage on lights or costumes – they can even write the script. This is part of the Stretford Road centre’s excellent series of summer projects to help local youngsters spend the holidays enjoyable and constructively. This project runs from Monday to Friday, 10am to 3pm, and costs just £10 for the week. Places are limited, though, and booking is essential. Under-eights must have adult supervision throughout the week, and everyone taking part needs to bring their own packed lunch and refreshments. Ring Caroline Boyd on 0161 226 1912, email caroline@zionarts.com or visit www.zionarts.com/summer to find out more.

FOOTBALL fans can get active with expert help at the National Football Museum at Preston next week. On Tuesday, to coincide with its latest exhibition called Jumpers for Goalposts, there’s the chance to learn some football skills outdoors with a Preston North End FC coach. This takes place from 10.30am to 12.30pm and then from 1pm to 3pm at a cost of £5 per child. There’s a maximum of 20 places, with a wet weather option available. To book, ring 01772 908 442. On Thursday, there’s fun indoors when the museum runs Finga-Foota sessions. Children can make their own copy of one of the oldest ever football games and then have a go at playing it. This runs at the same times, costs £2 per child and adults go free.

HATS off to Cheetham Hill is the name of a fascinating exhibition at Manchester Jewish Museum. Visitors can learn about local headwear traditions through the collection of hats from Jewish, Christian, Sikh and Afro-Caribbean communities. It is suitable for ages five and above and entry costs from £2.95 to £9.50. On Tuesday, the Cheetham Hill Road museum will invite families of all faiths to ‘Share in Shabbat’. Friday night and Saturday daytime are extremely important for Jewish people and this event gives children the opportunity to discover the Jewish Sabbath with hands-on activities. There will be candle decorating as Jewish women light Shabbat candles, soft clay plaiting to mimic the plaiting of the challah – the bread eaten – and the chance to taste real challah and other tempting Shabbat treats. Children will also be able to make a spice box and listen to stories. Entry is £1 per person. For more information ring 0161 834 9879.

GO along to Victoria Park in Swinton on Friday for free fun for all the family. It’s Friendship Day and an afternoon of live music, entertainers, arts activities, welly throwing, tea, cake and magic is on offer. This runs from noon to 4pm at the Manchester Road venue. Find out more on 0161 793 4219.

MORE than 2,000 vintage and classic cars will please auto fans at an event in Cheshire on Saturday and Sunday. It’s the 21st Tatton Park Vintage, Classic and Sports Car Show with up to 90 top car club displays, special events, auto-jumble, children’s rides and refreshments. Ring 01565 723 863 to find out more.