The Sea Mills Flower and Craft Show has been an established event in the life of the city almost since the first buildings went up in the area in 1922. It has always been held in the autumn, most recently on the first Saturday in September..
This year, however, the show is moving to May – to be held instead on Saturday May 9 at St Edyth’s Church in Sea Mills. Why the change?
Sue Hazelden of the show’s committee explained that there were a number of reasons and it wasn’t a decision taken lightly: “One consideration has been the frustration of clashing with the Westbury Village Show.
“We also run a well-attended free Art and Craft session for children in Sea Mills Library, and want to encourage children to enter. But a September entry deadline, just as school starts, is a busy time for families. We can’t push the show later, because the other big autumn event in Sea Mills is Apple Day, on the third Saturday in September. We felt October was too late in the year for the Flower Show’s ‘growing’ classes.
“So we started to look earlier in the year– and we landed on the second Saturday in May. Initially it seemed rather daunting to organise everything over three months earlier than usual, but it’s all coming together to make for a fantastic afternoon.
“One piece of news is that Henry Michallat, current Lord Mayor (and Councillor for Stoke Bishop including half of Sea Mills) has agreed to open the Show for a second time! And that’s only possible because of the earlier date. We also have social media Influencer @The Food Guy66 not only attending, but also judging the Sausage Roll category!”
There’s a whole new section this year for ‘Made in my Shed’ – and any ‘shed’ will do. There are still the regular handicrafts, photos and edibles. ‘Trauma Teddies’ have been added to the Handicraft section, hoping to have some donations to the local Fire Service.
Stall-holders are already signing up. Entertainers include local musician Sarah Jane Warren, Bristol Ukulele Club, the Shynee Ladies Belly Dancers and Rich on guitar.
The small team of organisers are always in need of a large team of volunteers on the day, so get in touch if you could help. seamillsflowershow@gmail.com ;
Entry form: bit.ly/SMFCS
Schedule: Facebook: Sea Mills Flower & Craft Show; Instagram: seamillsflowershow