Gardening and food lovers turned out in their thousands at the weekend for the UK’s first ever national event for grow your own fruit and vegetables, The Edible Garden Show.
Crowds were queuing to get in before the doors opened on Saturday and Sunday following the launch day described as an “amazing success” by Jim Paice MP, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food.
Celebrity gardeners and chefs added their praise for the show that has taken the gardening world by storm.
TV gardening expert Diarmuid Gavin said he had a “fabulous day” and added: “The show was thronged with visitors and it was brilliant browsing around the stands at everything the budding fruit and vegetable gardener could possibly require.”
TV presenter James Wong, the host of BBC’s Grow Your Own Drugs, declared: “Finally, a dedicated event just for grow your owners. So exciting to see everything you could ever need under one roof. Lots of specialist independents too! The only down side is I think I’ve maxed my credit cards already!”
Rachel Green, award-winning TV chef who hosted the show’s cookery theatre supported by the WI, said: “I’m absolutely bowled over by the amount of people here. I can’t believe how busy it is! I went to a huge event in London in a big exhibition hall a couple of weeks ago but The Edible Garden Show is far busier. You’ve attracted masses of people who really are interested in food and gardening. There are people watching my food demonstrations who are avid foodies and gardeners. I’ve been getting really good tips myself!”
The chef, who has cooked for Prince Charles and rustled up tea for The Queen, added: “I think the diversity of the stands is really incredible. The show is crammed full of innovative ideas. There really is something for everyone.”
Mr Paice, who officially opened the event at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, on Friday, March 18, with Diarmuid Gavin, said he was highly impressed by the wide range of educational grow-your-own projects targeted at children and how people didn’t necessarily need a garden to grow fruit and vegetables. He said: “I’ve seen lots of clever stuff on how to grow your own in rainwater gutters, window boxes and patios… all very clever ways of growing fruit and vegetables.”
The show also attracted the hugely popular BBC Radio 4 programme Gardeners’ Question Time which was recorded from Stoneleigh on the opening day with Eric Robson and the GQT panel – Anne Swithinbank, Pippa Greenwood and Bob Flowerdew. The show will be broadcast on Friday, March 25 and Sunday, March 27.
The Edible Garden Show marks a groundbreaking change in the public’s perception of food production and eating habits. Its arrival has been welcomed by experienced growers, budding kitchen gardeners and families keen to join the unstoppable grow-your-own revolution sweeping the country.
More than 10,800 people attended the inaugural show and spokesman for the organisers Paul Smith, Managing Director of public relations agency Paul Smith Associates who was responsible for developing the concept for the event, said: “We are delighted by the response from the public to our first show. Exhibitors have been reporting a roaring trade at the stands throughout all three days. Many of them had to send out for fresh stock at the end of the opening day.
“We have managed to bring together a remarkable mixture of celebrity gardeners, chefs, experts and innovative exhibitors to satisfy the enormous appetite for home-grown produce and healthy eating.
“One of the most encouraging aspects was the incredible diversity of our audience and the sheer volume of visitors we attracted to our opening show. Stoneleigh Park has told us it was one of the most successful launch shows for years with over 10,000 paying customers and an overall audience of nearly 11,000 people. Our visitors ranged from toddlers to teenagers and young families to senior citizens. The Edible Garden show is a fun-packed family event ideal for all those who are enthusiastic about food, gardening and home produce.”
Next year’s Edible Garden Show will take place at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, from March 16-18, 2012. For exhibitor or sponsorship details, call Channell Events on 0845 270 6800 – you can visit the show website at www.theediblegardenshow.co.uk
The Edible Garden Show 2011 was event directed by Channell Events.
