Alan Titchmarsh is set to judge a brand new floral shop window competition as part of this year's Ilkley Flower Show celebrations.
The much-loved Flower Show returns for its 67th year on Saturday 19th September at All Saints Church, but for the first time it will be preceded by Blooming Ilkley – a town-wide floral trail organised in partnership with Ilkley BID.
From 1st September, businesses across the town will transform their shop windows using specially supplied wooden wheelbarrows as the centrepiece of creative floral displays.
The displays will form a trail through Ilkley, encouraging residents and visitors to explore the town and support local independent businesses ahead of the Flower Show.
The competition will be judged by the Flower Show's Patron, Alan Titchmarsh CBE DL VMH, with awards presented for Overall Winner, Sustainability and Most Innovative Display.
Members of the public will also be able to vote for their favourite display in the People's Choice Award.
Alongside the new initiative, the 67th Annual Ilkley Flower Show will feature more than 70 competition classes covering flowers, floral art, fruit and vegetables, baking, handicrafts, photography, painting and children's creations.
The show opens to the public at 2pm on Saturday 19th September, with the Presentation of Awards at 3.45pm, followed by the traditional sale of produce donated by exhibitors.
Jos Mountcastle, who worked with Ilkley BID on the Flower Show's new branding and the Blooming Ilkley campaign, said:
"The Ilkley Flower Show has such a wonderful history and deserved a fresh campaign that would help it reach a wider audience while staying true to its roots.
"Working alongside the Flower Show Society and Ilkley BID, we've created a new identity, promotional materials and the Blooming Ilkley business competition to encourage the whole town to get involved.
"By bringing businesses into the celebrations we're creating something much bigger than a one-day event – we're showcasing everything that makes Ilkley special, encouraging people to explore our fantastic independent businesses and strengthening the connection between our community and the Flower Show."
David Shaw MBE, Chair of the Ilkley Business Forum, Ilkley Community Network and Ilkley Pride & Diversity, said:
"I'd like to thank every business that has supported this year's Flower Show, particularly our Joint Headline Sponsors, Greenholme House Care Home and Mayfield View Care Home, Care UK. Their generosity has enabled us to grow the event and introduce the new Blooming Ilkley initiative.
"It was wonderful that Alan Titchmarsh immediately embraced the idea of judging the competition, helping us create something that celebrates not only the Flower Show but everything that makes Ilkley such a special place."
Alan Titchmarsh said:
"I'm delighted to be Patron of the Ilkley Flower Show, not least since as a local lad back in the 1950s and 60s I enjoyed hugely going to the King's Hall and looking at the wonderful displays of flowers, fruit and veg and even having a go at entering some of the classes myself. I never won, but it didn't stop me gardening for a living!
"Please continue to support your local show and keep it at the heart of Ilkley's activities.
"Gardening really is at the sharp end of conservation and the only way that most of us can make a positive difference to our surroundings - beautifying them at the same time as providing a sanctuary for wildlife.
"Enjoy the show and good luck if you are entering!"
Residents and visitors can explore the Blooming Ilkley trail from 1st September before the Ilkley Flower Show takes place at All Saints Church on Saturday 19th September. The public will also be invited to vote for their favourite shop window display in the People's Choice Award.
WATCH: Jason Manford gives 'honest' review of Leeds Bradford Airport
David Hockney's nephew opens contemporary art gallery in Ilkley
Cemetery guided walk exploring Ilkley's hydros history
Yorkshire Water confirms changes to A65 Skipton Road roadworks
Ilkley theatre group celebrate major success at Wharfedale Festival of Theatre Awards
Burst water main adds to A65 disruption in Ilkley
Silsden Community Centre launches fundraising appeal to unlock £10,000 for community project
Browns the Greengrocers to join Ilkley Market
Ilkley MP continues battle to reopen local tips
Paws at the Hub returns for a tail-wagging day of fun
Ilkley Town Council awards £10,500 in community grants
Bakery owner praises Ilkley residents after whirlwind launch
Ilkley MP urges residents to back tougher fireworks laws
The Box Tree Restaurant to close this weekend for £500,000 refurbishment
Ilkley’s brewers unite for Yorkshire Day
Upcoming rail engineering work to shut lines between Bradford and Shipley for three days
Two charities highlight their community roles to avoid ongoing confusion
Harewood House reveals 'Magic at the Mansion' Christmas experience
Hardware store in Silsden raises money for Manorlands Hospice
Moss & Moor in Ilkley to close for one day due to planned power works
