Weather cancels headline aerial display as thousands visit Southport
The opening day of the Southport Flower Show saw a high-profile aerial display called off after the Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for the town.
The popular four-day festival at Victoria Park — which typically attracts more than 50,000 visitors across the weekend and marked its centenary in 2024 — went ahead on Thursday, August 20, despite the cancellation of the Red Devils Parachute Display Team’s noon performance.
Organisers confirmed the decision on the event’s Facebook page, urging visitors the show would continue. They said:
"Due to the inclement weather, the Red Devils will unfortunately not be performing at Southport Flower Show today. However, the show is still going ahead! There’s plenty to see and do, including celebrity presentations, cookery demonstrations, stunning show gardens, Grand Floral. Floral Art, Amateur Growers and Honey and Bee Marquees, Lakeside Reset, Children’s Trail and much much more. We look forward to welcoming you to Southport Flower Show and making the most of the day, whatever the weather!"
The event’s packed programme includes celebrity appearances from TV chef Phil Vickery, dancers and presenters including Anton Du Beke, actress and entertainer Su Pollard, and judge Rob Rinder, alongside live cookery demonstrations, musical performances on the Piazza Stage and a range of horticultural displays.
Organisers and emergency services warned visitors to expect disruption in places after the Met Office forecast heavy showers and thunderstorms could bring localised flooding and travel problems. The warning, in force until 10am on the opening day, said heavy showers may deposit 15 to 20 mm in an hour in some areas, with as much as 30 to 50 mm over six hours in others. The forecast also highlighted a risk of lightning and hail.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Event | Southport Flower Show, Victoria Park |
| Dates | Thursday 20 — Sunday 23 August |
| Expected visitors | More than 50,000 across four days |
| Cancelled | Red Devils parachute display (opening day, 12:00) |
| Weather warning | Yellow — heavy showers, thunderstorms, risk of flooding until 10am |
What visitors will still find at Victoria Park
Despite the aerial display being called off, there is still a broad programme for families and horticulture enthusiasts. Highlights include:
- Show gardens and a Grand Floral marquee showcasing award-winning displays;
- Cookery Theatre with celebrity Q&A sessions and live demonstrations;
- Honey and Bee Marquees, amateur growers, and floral art exhibits;
- Children’s attractions such as an alpaca area, children’s trail, scarecrow maze, forest school and a new Lakeside Reset wellbeing zone.
Organisers urged visitors to plan journeys carefully and allow extra time, as the Met Office predicted heavy, frequent showers overnight into the morning which could cause flash flooding and local travel disruption. The yellow warning advised that some places may see surface water issues and that thundery showers could bring lightning and hail.
For residents and visitors already in Southport, the message was plain: the Flower Show remains open but parts of the schedule may change at short notice if conditions worsen. The decision to cancel the Red Devils display reflects aviation and public-safety priorities when weather conditions risk parachute operations.
Local businesses and traders around Victoria Park — who rely on the annual influx of visitors — will be watching the weather closely. The Flower Show’s return is a major boost for the town’s summer season, and organisers said they were committed to making the most of the weekend’s programme "whatever the weather".
Those planning to attend should check the show’s official channels for any further updates and take care travelling to and from the event while the yellow warning remains in effect.
