Malvern Autumn Show highlights

From cooking demonstrations with celebrity chefs, to world-class nurseries, vintage tea rooms and pig agility – there was a bit of everything at Malvern

Malvern Autumn Show 2018, in association with Westons Cider Mill, celebrated the end of summer with a weekend bursting with harvest fun, horticultural know-how and family entertainment.

Taking centre stage from September 29, the show celebrated the wonders of the British countryside, with daily growing and cooking demonstrations, inspiring talks from celebrity experts and – of course – more plants than you could shake a stick at.

Diana Walton, Head of Shows at the Three Counties Showground, said: “We made some exciting new changes to the layout, including the addition of a brand-new Gardening Village, giving the 2018 show a fresh feel and enhancing the visitor experience. 

“There was something for everyone to enjoy, from cookery demonstrations and gardening tips from the stars, to a vintage festival and fairground, craft activities and the UK’s largest vegetables."

Here's a look back at the highlights from Malvern this autumn.  

Treats made in the Autumn Potager Theatre

This theatre, brand new for 2018, was hosted by award-winning food writer and grower, Mark Diacono and featured an array of expert celebrity guests from the food and horticultural worlds that gave daily demonstrations.

BBC Gardeners’ World presenter Carol Klein shared her wealth of knowledge and experience along with co-host Joe Swift. Writer, broadcaster, actor and former Conservative MP Gyles Brandreth (also known for his appearances on Have I Got News For You) delighted guests with tales of his life and work.

For foodies, appetites were satisfied with sizzling cookery demonstrations headed up by chef, Valentine Warner and visitors learned how to make seasonal chutneys and pickles with writer, Alys Fowler.  

Giant vegetable displays

The hugely popular CANNA UK National Giant Vegetables Championship returned to the show and saw vegetable growers from across the nation go head-to-head in dozens of different classes to grow the biggest veg.

There were four brand-new categories tin 2018 - the heaviest three sticks of rhubarb, heaviest kohlrabi, heaviest aubergine and longest radish classes.

Superb shopping

Hundreds of trade stands and exhibitors descended on Malvern, offering shopping opportunities for every budget. With a range of products and gifts on offer, visitors could be the envy of all their friends by getting ahead with Christmas shopping.

There was plenty for the garden at the show too. Visitors were spoilt for choice with the world-class nurseries, large variety of plant shops and bulb market that featured at the show.

New skills mastered

Visitors could learn a traditional craft with one of our workshops. With activities ranging from wood turning to spoon carving on the Family Green, there was plenty to keep all of the family entertained.

Alongside the dazzling plants at the show, some of our more furry and feathered friends joined in the fun at Malvern. In the World of Animals, supported by Bredon School, visitors could meet Alpacas, champion chickens and marvel at the Pig Agility (yes – really!). A dog show, new for 2018, featured various breeds of pooches, with care advice for man’s best friend.  

Visitors went back in time

Guests were transported back to the good old days with a celebration of all things retro at the Vintage Village. Here visitors found a fairground, dancing vehicles, garden machinery and clothing. There was also an exclusive vintage tearoom for guests to have a cuppa.