We started as we meant to go on with our first appearance at Southport Flower Show. Although we were involved with a lot, we were delighted to do it all, especially the bandstand. It was a long hard day of work but was totally worth it. Unfortunately the weather didn’t want to play nice but we persevered through it to get the job done.

The bandstand bare

Build up Day

By Wednesday morning, the stand was looking great, the Wesley Street sign had been decorated and the wall hangings were up. All that was left was to conquer the bandstand. We started by putting the flowers and foliage into the centre, working out how much we had. (It was a lot bigger than I had thought when ordering the stock). Envisioning the final creation in my mind we began to split up the foliage, working from the bottom up. The flowers were to be the pop of colour so they would be added last. Just dividing up the materials took a little while to do!

We began weaving the foliage through the bottom half of the bandstand, even with four of us it was a long process. Starting with a base of trailing ivy and hop garlands it began to come together straight away. Jumping straight to the top we attached four ivy bushes, then a mixture of blossom migrating from the columns to the arch centres. We grouped together ivy, rose garlands and blossom creating long fuller swags which were then attached from the top of the column, wrapping all the way around and down. Making the larger garlands took some time, it was hard work!

The focal point was the entrance to the bandstand so followed the same design but double the amount of everything!

The Heavens Opened

Summarising the day now makes it sound a lot easier than it was. With the weather being on and off we were lucky for the day to be so dry. Unfortunately as we neared the end as our bodies began to give in, so did the clouds and down the rain fell. We were so close to finishing, luckily we were so tired all we could do was laugh. Like troopers we carried on to the bitter end, absolutely sopping! Stood on a ladder in heavy rain with high winds was not the highlight of the week I can tell you! When we finally left at 9pm after starting at 8.30am, we had a lovely hot meal in our soggy wet clothes and we laughed. The saying is true; team work makes the dream work!

Even the middle of the bandstand was wet!

Well and truly windswept but we persevered.

The Bandstand and its Visitors

Once Thursday morning came, the rain had stopped and the bandstand had withstood the treacherous weather. It was time for the public to see our hard work. It proved a hit with everyone searching for the perfect photo, we had created a beautiful frame for any photo. Our stand was right next to the bandstand, and it was lovely to see everyone appreciate what we had done and see so many people use it for a great photo. In addition to the public, the bandstand attracted quite a few mythical and storybook characters!

The amazing Alice and Queen of Hearts from GModels.

A very lovely couple!

Ladies Day!

Me and Paul Crone from Granada Reports.

It was such a good show, and despite the rain we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.