BLOOMING beautiful Swindon is on full show at the town’s first garden show.

Stanton Park in Stanton Fitzwarren is this weekend playing host to countless blooms, fruit and veg.

And organiser Jacquie Sheppard is confident the show will draw a crowd – whatever the weather.

“We have been forecast the worst possible weather for the weekend,” said Jacquie.

“But we have had such a terrible summer that I think people will decide they won’t be beaten by the weather and come along.

“I just can’t wait to see what people in Swindon have done.”

The event features show gardens, all kinds of classes of fruit and vegetables and specially made scarecrows.

There will also be falconry displays, exhibitions of Zimbabwean art and other African products and competitions for children. A chance to learn more about growing vegetables will also be on offer as well as a plentiful supply of food and drink on sale.

The show, which opens today and finishes on Sunday, was previewed yesterday by the High Sheriff and Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire, as well as the mayor of Swindon Steve Wakefield and Advertiser editor Dave King.

“Swindon is ready for, and deserves, an event like this,” said Jacquie.

“People will be missing something if they don’t come. It will be great fun and so many people have put in so much work to get to this stage.”

Each day’s activities begin at 10am and on Friday and Saturday will finish at 5pm.

On Sunday the show closes early, at 4.30pm.

Three quarters of the proceeds from the show will go to Age Concern.

Advance tickets cost £5 for adults, £4 for the over 60s and children get in free.

On the day tickets will cost £6 for adults, £5 for the over 60s, but children will stay be allowed in for free.

For telephone bookings ring Swindon Information Centre on 01793 530328.

Or you can purchase your tickets by calling into Age Concern Swindon, 1 Milton Road, or Swindon Information Centre, Regent Street.

For more details about the event visit www.swindongardenshow.co.uk.