Cornwall’s oldest flower show celebrates its 110th birthday on March 28 and 29 – thanks to Falmouth Town Council who have stepped in after the organising committee retired.

The show has run continuously, but for the war years, since it was first opened in 1910 by Queen Victoria’s daughter Princess Christian. 

Jacqui Owen, the council’s visitor and community engagement officer, added: "There is real heritage in this show and we hope a new generation will embrace this and take it forward."

Once the most popular spring flower show in the country, special excursion trains from Paddington brought visitors to the Princess Pavilion, Gyllyngdune Gardens where it is still held today.

The show has been run by volunteers, some of whom have spent a lifetime as exhibitors and organisers.

Daffodil grower and show president Ron Scamp entered his first blooms in 1971, while Reg and Pearl Sleeman, the show’s chairman and treasurer, together tot up over 70 years commitment. It has not been possible to recruit a new committee.

Mr Scamp said: "It is a great relief to the retiring committee that the show will continue." 

 The council will now host the show, reluctant to lose an event which attracts a thousand plus visitors and an  equal number of entries from schoolchildren, and amateur and professional gardeners from the council, university, hotels, historic Glendurgan and Trebah gardens.

The 118 different classes include 30 daffodil categories, 12 children’s classes, floral art, photography, cacti, orchids, camellias, rhododendrons, and magnolias. Non-gardeners can enter their favourite houseplants. There are no fees for taking part and all exhibitors get into the show for free, as do children under 16.

Among Mr Scamp’s newly named daffodils, to be shown for first time at the show, will be Plymouth Hoe, a fitting tribute for the city’s 400th Mayflower celebrations from Falmouth’s historic flower show.

For a free show schedule and entry form, closing date 22 March, call 01326 313863, email director@falmouthartgallery.com. See Falmouth Spring Flower Show facebook for updates.