With just over three months to go until this year’s Worcester Show aspiring makers, growers, bakers, photographers and writers are being encouraged to start planning their competition entries.
The city’s much‑loved community celebration returns to Pitchcroft on Sunday 9 August, bringing residents together from across Worcester for a vibrant day of culture, live music and performances.
The popular Competition Marquee will once again be a hive of activity, showcasing talents from people of all ages and backgrounds across an impressive range of categories. From floral art and home‑grown vegetables to photography, baking and handicrafts, there is something for everyone, with 14 categories and more than 170 classes to explore.
Entries are open to everyone, whether you are an expert or a beginner, with online tutorials available to guide you through the process.
This year, the competition takes inspiration from the 1960s, celebrating the era’s iconic fashion, art styles and culture. New classes have been added across each category, offering entrants the chance to try something creative with a 1960s twist.
Children and young people are especially encouraged to get involved, with dedicated categories designed to inspire new skills in making, baking and growing. These include the Fun & Creativity category for children aged up to 11 and the Youth Skills & Creativity category for those aged 12 to 17.
The Schools Gardening Competitions, sponsored by Pershore College, have also been expanded this year, allowing more schools to take part.
The deadline for school entries is Friday 15 May.
Meanwhile, entries for the Literature Section will be judged ahead of the Show and must be submitted by Thursday 30 July.
For all remaining competition categories, entries must be registered online by 10am on Monday 3 August on the Worcester Show website.
Councillor Jabba Riaz, Chair of Worcester City Council’s Communities Committee, said: “The Worcester Show is a fantastic celebration of the city’s creativity and community, and the Competition Marquee is not to be missed.
“It’s a real feast for the senses, filled with vibrant colour, the smell of fresh baking and flowers, and an incredible range of talent on display.
“There truly is something for everyone, whether you’ve been practising your craft for years or are just getting started with a new hobby. We want people of all ages and abilities to feel confident about taking part and sharing what they enjoy.
“I’m hoping lots of children and young people will get involved, as there are some brilliant categories designed just for them. You don’t need to be an expert to enter – learning new skills in growing, making or baking is all part of the fun.
“The Competition Marquee brings so much life, colour and energy to the Show, and we’d love to see even more entries this year. Don’t miss your chance to be part of it – register now here.”
This year’s Worcester Show Competition Marquee will also be home to the National Begonia Society’s annual show.
Mike Avis, National Begonia Society Show Manager and President, said: “The National Begonia Society was formed in 1948 and has held National Shows nearly every year since then in various locations, but generally in the Midlands for reasonable access for exhibitors from around England, Scotland and Wales.
“In recent years, since 2014 and with the exception of Covid problems, it has been at Shrewsbury Flower Show but due to their cancellation in 2025 and again in 2026 we have needed to find a suitable central location. We are delighted to be working with Worcester City Council to join in with the annual Worcester Show in Pitchcroft.
“We hope to bring a spectacle that will open the public's eyes to what can be achieved with growing expertise and knowledge. Our experts will be on hand to advise and encourage visitors to grow Begonias of all types and hopefully generate enough interest to become members of our society.”
You can find out more about the National Begonia Society on their website.
This year’s Worcester Show is being proudly sponsored by Solar Select, Bottles Wine Bar & Merchants, Platform Housing and the TripelB Belgian Beer Café.
For tickets and full details about this year’s Worcester Show visit the event website.
