Mid & East Antrim Flower Show Flourishes

The third annual Flower Show and Summer Fair on Saturday 19 August in the Market Yard, Larne was a riot of colour and drew attendees from right across the Borough and further afield. Attendees enjoyed activities such a cooking demonstrations, flower arranging and bird box building at the Summer Fair with the main event, the Flower Show awards ceremony, being held at 3.30pm and with the awards presented by U105’s Carolyn Stewart and Mayor of Mid & East Antrim.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Mayor of Mid & East Antrim, Cllr Paul Reid, said “Our Mid and East Antrim In Bloom campaign has continued this year and the Flower Show is a big component of this. Through Mid and East Antrim In Bloom we encourage everyone who lives in the Borough to think about their local environment and how flowers, plants and gardens can enhance it for people and wildlife.”

“Our Flower Show is the chance for local gardeners, bakers and floral artists to create a marvellous extravaganza of flowers, fruit and vegetables, and home baked delights.”

“I would especially like to thank our panel of judges, who have a wide range of experience and expertise amongst them and who thoroughly deliberated all the entrants today. Thank you to our staff who have worked hard to make the Flower Show and Summer Fair happen. It has been a wonderful colourful spectacle. And finally, thank you to all our entrants – the standard was remarkable.”

Amongst a host of winners on the day, Elizabeth Boyd won Best in Show for her succulent entry, with Most Points overall in Flower Show going to David McWilliam.

Best Cut Flower Exhibit went to Avril Graham for her large gladioli, Best Rose Exhibit went to Elaine McIlwaine, Most Points in Rose Exhibit was won by Ronnie Campbell. Best Dahlia Exhibit and Most Points in Dahlia Exhibit was won by David McWilliam.

Best Garden Variety went to Sandra Hawthorn for her hydrangea. Most Points in Cut Flowers went to David McWilliam.

Best Pot Plant and Most Points in Pot Plants was won by Elizabeth Boyd and Rita O’Lynn won the Best Cactus Exhibit.

Best Monster Vegetable went to Stephen McConnell for his monster cabbage and Jennifer Herron’s twisty carrot won Best Novelty Vegetable. Jennifer also won both Most Points in Vegetable Section and the Best Grow Your Own Selection.

Colleen Hamill won the Best Flower Arrangement award for her ‘Wild About Gardens’ display, and Colleen also won the most points in the Flower Arrangement section.

Samantha Braniff won Best Exhibit in Junior Section for her cupcakes and there was a four way tie for Most Points in the Junior Section with James Cowan, Ruby Fleck, Lucy Cowan and Ellie Cowan all collecting an award.

Emily Hanna won the Best Exhibit in Home Industry for her chocolate cake, with Most Points in Home Industry going to Ann Carson.

A full list of winners can be found at www.midandeastantrin.gov.uk/flowershow