AFTER a year of organising, the annual Clutton Flower Show finally came together for the CHS Flower Show and Gardening Club with the gates opening at midday on Saturday, August 8 to welcome visitors to another great village show.

Even the heat didn't put off the 1600 plus visitors who made their way to the Rudge’s Field showground at Bendalls Bridge nestled between Bristol and Wells, off the A37.

In its 88th year, the Clutton Flower and Village show is very different from decades ago with the main Flower Show exhibition marquee the draw for the show, but with so much more to see and do.

A parade of the winners in the classic vehicle competition took to the main display arena.
A parade of the winners in the classic vehicle competition took to the main display arena. (CHS Flower Show and Gardening Club)

Despite the drought, the marquee was packed full of wonderful exhibits from flowers and vegetables, to cookery, crafts and children’s classes, with the quality of entries rated outstanding by the judges.

The showground itself offers 45 different stalls to browse whilst children were entertained by the rides, games, Circus Berzercus Circus skills and Lucy Lost It children's entertainer.

Riders from the Mendip Farmers Pony Club hoping to ignite a love for the sport in the next generation.
Riders from the Mendip Farmers Pony Club hoping to ignite a love for the sport in the next generation. (CHS Flower Show and Gardening Club)

The competition to find Clutton's own strongest attracted an impressive array of competitors pulling the truck, as well as moving a gigantic tractor tyre while classic vehicles harked back to yesteryear with an impressive line-up of oldtimers including cars, buses and vintage tractors.

A 12th century medieval village gave much food for thought to wander and contemplate life in medieval times, as well as battle reenactments between rival lords and their troops from Historia Normannis who also featured in the main display ring.

The Black Eagles Acrobatic Display Team began the main entertainment in the arena followed by the Mendip Farmers Pony Club with a horse display enthralling the crowds, ended with a parade of the winners of the classic vehicles classes.

An impressive array of classic cars included this beauty complete with drive-in lunch tray.
An impressive array of classic cars included this beauty complete with drive-in lunch tray. (CHS Flower Show and Gardening Club)

Celebrated horticulturalist and former BBC Radio gardening expert, Mary Payne MBE, took part in a Gardening Question Time, giving great advice on the current problems in gardens and what to do with useful tips on gardening in a drought including drought tolerant plants. She is already planning a welcome return to the show next year.

Historia Normannis taking a well-deserved break from battle reenactments with ice creams all round.
Historia Normannis taking a well-deserved break from battle reenactments with ice creams all round. (CHS Flower Show and Gardening Club)

Outside of the exhibition marquee, the Somerset Morris Dancers were entertaining visitors with their mesmerising mix of music and dance while live music rounded off the entertainment throughout the afternoon and into the evening with local bands, Coffin Dodgers, Loophole and the talented Martin Radford, as well as a performance by Men of Chew Choir.

A spokesperson for the CHS Flower Show and Gardening Club said: “It truly was an excellent show with something for everyone to do and see.

The 88th Clutton Show exhibition marquee did not disappoint in terms of produce despite the drought.
The 88th Clutton Show exhibition marquee did not disappoint in terms of produce despite the drought. (CHS Flower Show and Gardening Club)

“There was a raffle with over 20 prizes, which were kindly donated by local businesses in and around the area, for which we were very grateful for.

“Planning has already started for 2027, so make sure you look out for the 89th Clutton Flower and Village show, next year, and we look forward to seeing you, on August 14, 2027.

“It really is a great day out for all the family, there's something for everyone, and for a very reasonable entry fee!”