The Leek & District Show is back!

Final arrangements are being made for this popular summer event to be held at Birchall show ground on the last Saturday of July.

One of the headline attractions will be a magnificent display of seasonal vegetables, fruit, and flowers in the Horticultural Marquee. For more information, click here.

"The popularity of gardening has increased more than ever over the last couple of years", says the show's secretary for the Horticulture Section, Mike Ottewell.

"All the local garden centres have been busy meeting customers' requirements for seeds, plants and tools. There is also a waiting list for council allotments in Leek."

He continues, "It is so important that all members of our community can access open space, whether it is in a park or their own back gardens. Not just to look and see what others are doing, but also to get involved themselves, digging, planting, and being productive.

"The public health crisis and lockdown restrictions have curtailed holidays and travel plans. Consequently, people have found they have more time on their hands.

"For families in particular, gardening is a wonderful opportunity to soak up some energy and keep young children focussed on more long term projects for several weeks rather than just an afternoon.

"So this year, whilst we want to see more entries from youngsters in all categories, there will be an additional Junior Section for Under 15-year-olds with two categories. They can choose either or submit both as separate entries.

The organisers are looking for flower arrangements in unusual containers, such as a wellington boot, a vintage lantern, or an old coal skuttle. Or for something totally different – contestants can show off their colouring skills with a nicely decorated 'hard-boiled' egg.

For the mainstream entries, there are 24 categories under the Vegetable and Fruit section, including a Top Tray presentation of a collection of three different types of vegetables.

The Flower section has a similar number of categories, including pot plants and hanging baskets. The feature display this year is a container of different garden flowers.

To download entry forms click here.

Awards will be made for the exhibitor scoring the highest aggregated points for the Vegetables and Fruit, Flowers and the Juniors' Sections.

The judges this year are David Lownds, representing the National Vegetable Society and Joe Smith, a former director of parks and lifelong professional horticulturist.

Mike Ottewell paid tribute to the local businesses who have provided funding to help cover the staging costs.

He added: "We are inviting local businesses and organisations to sponsor specific awards. We hope this will further showcase the contribution made by partners that truly add value to our community."

Leek United Building Society are the main sponsors for the show. Other companies that have offered support to the Horticulture Section include, ACE Motors Ltd – car sales and valet services, Baddley Green; AH Brookes & Co private & commercial solicitors of Leek, Croda Europe Agrochemicals, Leek; Fairways Garden Centre, Ashbourne, T D Thursfield of Kerry Hill Nurseries, Wyaston Nurseries, Ashbourne and last but not least, the Wetley Manor Residential Care Home.