On 25th July 1888, the very first Badsey Flower – or, to give it its correct name, the Badsey, Aldington and Wickhamford Flower Show and Village Festival – was held from 2 to 9 pm in the meadow adjacent to the old Vicarage, admission sixpence. A large tent contained the exhibits for the following classes: fruit, vegetables, flowers, children, dairy produce and special classes for ladies. A programme of sports was held in the evening and dancing took place under an awning to the strains of the Toddington Brass Band.
After what could have been an inauspicious start on a wet day in July 1888, 135 years later, the 120th Badsey Flower Show will take place on Saturday 29th July 2023. There have been gaps during this time period when the Show did not take place – for reasons of war, coronations, floods or pandemic – but, despite these setbacks, the Show has continued to blossom.
The Badsey Society has been asked to mount a special exhibition for this 120th Show, charting its history, so come along to the Recreation Ground to find out more.
