Nation’s favourite gardening and foodie events return to NEC

BBC Gardeners’ World Live and BBC Good Food Show Summer arrive.

Visitors to one of the summer’s most popular shows are guaranteed to find inspiration at BBC Gardeners’ World Live and the BBC Good Food Show Summer which return to the NEC in Birmingham from Thursday 13th–Sunday 16th June.

One ticket allows entry to both spectacular events with a star-studded line-up of top gardeners, chefs and experts – alongside tips, produce and ideas from over 400 exhibitors from the gardening and culinary world.

Green-fingered royalty sharing their gardening knowledge at BBC Gardeners’ World Live include Monty Don, Adam Frost and Carol Klein, plus Alan Titchmarsh, who will be giving on-stage demonstrations, offering advice and revealing the latest gardening trends, tips and ideas to ensure visitors are able to make the most of their gardens this summer.

Those exploring outside will see award-winning Show Gardens and Beautiful Borders, before heading into the Floral Marquee and Plant Village, with over 100 places to buy plants. There will be tips from live stages including the Every Space Counts Stage, the new Pyramid Stage, the Demo Bench and specialist areas covering everything from trees to allotments and wildlife to floristry. Plus, the monumental Plant Pyramid with over 50 new plant varieties, in a display of over 4,000 new plants.

Popular chef Ainsley Harriott returns to the show for the first time in over a decade, taking to the Big Kitchen stage alongside new summer addition Prue Leith, and Michelin starred Tom Kerridge, Raymond Blanc and Michel Roux Jr. Back for 2019 are Show favourites Mary Berry, Nadiya Hussain and Chris Bavin.

Joining them will be some of Birmingham’s finest food heroes, including Glynn Purnell, Brad Carter and Alex Claridge. Along with local cuisine, visitors can go on a culinary adventure with travel inspired free cookery demonstrations presented by Travelsphere. Experience a taste of Italy with Lotte Duncan or discover the flavours of India with Cyrus Todiwala.

Ticket holders will be able to browse, shop and taste their way around an extensive selection of hand-picked artisan producers and well-known brands. From the latest innovative kitchen gadgets to the freshest seasonal produce and exciting products, the show promises to be a food and garden lover’s paradise.

The Skinny Jean Gardener, Lee Connelly, heads up the Show’s first ever Children’s Trail this year. Families can pick up a Trail map to weave around the show, taking them on an adventure into the world of gardening and getting youngsters involved in hands-on activities. With free tickets for under-fives, and under 18s going free on Sunday, this year’s Show is the perfect family day out.

One ticket offers entry to both shows, allowing visitors to wander freely, getting plot-to-plate inspiration.

Adam Frost, presenter on BBC Two’s Gardeners’ World and award winning garden designer, said: “I am really looking forward to opening BBC Gardeners’ World Live this week, getting in the Floral Marquee, looking at the plants, exploring the show gardens and seeing what there is for sale. I’m also looking forward to listening to what the other presenters have got to say about gardening! And, you can come and join us…see you there.”

Birmingham-based Michelin starred chef Glynn Purnell added: “Visitors can look forward to a wide variety of demonstrations, live entertainment, opportunities to try new things and a shopping spree you won’t find anywhere else. It really is the one-stop venue for all things food and drink.”

For more information and to book tickets to the Show, visit www.bbcgardenrsworldlive.com or www.bbcgoodfoodshow.com