The North Show & Battle of Flowers 2023

The Guernsey North Show and Battle of Flowers, run by the Northern Agricultural and Horticultural Society, has for many years been a major event in Guernsey’s Summer Calendar.

The Show has its roots in Guernsey’s traditional industries of Agriculture and Horticulture. Since the South Show went indoors, the North is one of only two remaining outdoor events of its type in Guernsey, the other being the West. The West Show folk would like to think that “west is best”, a convenient rhyming slogan, but of course we in the north think that our show is the best of all. As they are on in consecutive weeks in August, maybe you should try all three!

In the arena, the emphasis is on providing high quality entertainment of an “outdoor” nature, using a diverse pool of local talent, as well as professional and amateur entertainment from outside the island. This results in an entertaining programme of events which is always well received by spectators, and in the evening the beer tent generally puts on a good display of live music.

The Battle of Flowers is held on the afternoon of the second day, when all spectators can take part in judging the floats. Until the early 1960’s the parade of floats culminated in an actual “battle” when the floats were stripped, and competitors and spectators alike bombarded each other with the flowers. Over the years though, the battle became rather too excited. Sometimes not just the flowers were thrown! Nowadays the floats survive to take part in an illuminated parade in the evening, culminating in a firework display.

The marquee and outdoor displays include Guernsey cattle, goats and agricultural produce, and there are also many amateur competitors, with a variety of entries in the fur and feather classes, cut flowers, fruit and vegetables, flower arranging, cakes and baking, and the craft classes such as wood or metal working, embroidery and photography. These classes always attract a large children’s entry, as well as the adult entry, and all entries are placed on display in the marquees in the Show ground.

The Show also includes numerous stall-holders providing refreshments and other items for sale throughout the two days.

The whole Show is run on a voluntary basis by the NAHS Committee. Many others provide essential help of a practical or financial nature, and we are very grateful to all our supporters.