People of all ages turned out for the first Twerton Flower Show to be held for almost a century.
Mayor of Bath Bharat Pankhania with Diana Ahmed
Visitors were encouraged to take along a picnic to the show on Saturday, 14th June, which incorporated a family fun day.
Held at Pennyquick Park, the event went so well that it will now become an annual event again.
The show had last been held in 1926. It used to take place in the grounds of Wood House in the 1880-1900s.
The revival was organised by local artist Diana Ahmed alongside Twerton & Whiteway Community Network coordinators Sally Harris and Kate Bevan, as well as local organisations and volunteers.
Diana said: “We collaborated closely, with funding coming from the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) through a freelance artist grant, which was matched by the Twerton & Whiteway Community Network.
“My aim was to bring the Twerton Flower Show back to the community, inspired by my earlier research and public art piece, We Love Twerton High Street.
The Twerton Flower Show team enjoying the event last Saturday
“That project celebrated Twerton’s industrial heritage – including the mill, child labour history, and the blue-tinted skin from fabric dyeing – as well as paying homage to the Innox Park flower market, which was an important community income source from 1909 onwards.”
Gardeners, growers and flower lovers were able to exhibit in a series of competitions at Saturday’s event. There were free activities including crafts, ceramic flowers, seed sowing and bug hunting.
Other attractions included a bouncy castle, puppet show, face painting, children’s football and karaoke.
Diana said: “There was a very good turnout on the day. There were multiple generations which was so lovely to see. We very much focused that it should be family-led and were mindful of price – the only payment was for tea and coffee and cake at £1.
“All proceeds go back into the community for another event.
“It will be an annual event from here on in. As tradition is special, it’s something to look forward to on the social calendar, bringing the community together.
“Along with growing your garden and flowers to display, the show is a real showcase for positivity of the Twerton village.”
