Spectacular harvest-inspired floral gown unveiled as Harrogate Autumn Flower Show celebrates 50 years
A spectacular harvest-inspired gown has been unveiled ahead of the opening of the Harrogate Autumn Flower Show, which begins tomorrow.
Created by renowned floral designer Jonathan Moseley, the beautiful gown was revealed this morning, with model Anna Cartmell-Done showcasing the finished creation within the historic surroundings of Newby Hall.
The gown is the centrepiece of Jonathan’s installation, Grain & Grandeur – The Harvest Ball, created especially for the Harrogate Autumn Flower Show’s 50th anniversary.
Inspired by the abundance, colour and textures of the autumn harvest, Grain & Grandeur celebrates the season through flowers, grasses, grains, seed heads and other harvest-inspired materials.
The installation brings a sense of occasion to the historic house, while the gown provides a striking interpretation of the show’s Golden Harvest theme, reflecting both the abundance of the autumn harvest and the golden anniversary of the Harrogate Autumn Flower Show.
The Harrogate Autumn Flower Show opens on Friday (September 18) for three days of horticultural excellence, autumn colour and inspiration, as the show celebrates its 50th anniversary.
Nick Smith, Show Director, said: “This is a particularly special year for the Harrogate Autumn Flower Show as we celebrate 50 years since the first show in 1976.
"Jonathan’s Grain & Grandeur installation is a wonderful way to celebrate the season and the creativity at the heart of the show.
"The harvest-inspired gown looks fantastic.”
“It’s a fitting centrepiece for our 50th anniversary and captures the richness and abundance of autumn in a really creative way.
"We’re delighted to be able to share it with visitors as they join us for this year’s show.”
At the show, the Grand Floral Pavilion will be filled with more than 5,000 blooms, alongside displays from specialist nurseries and horticultural societies, showcasing the colour and variety of the season.
Over in the Incredible Edible Pavilion, visitors can see prize-winning fruit and vegetables, including the entries in the NEHS Giant Vegetable Competition.
The National Onion Championship is also a highlight of the show, with Gareth Griffin’s 8.97kg onion having set a new world record at the show in 2023.
Admission to the Harrogate Autumn Flower Show also includes access to Newby Hall’s award-winning gardens, giving visitors the chance to explore the gardens and discover the floral installations within the historic house.
Live entertainment and family activities will run throughout the three days, with talks, demonstrations, live music and plenty for younger visitors to enjoy.
There’s also specialist shopping and seasonal produce, with a wide range of plants, gardening products, gifts, crafts and food and drink to browse.
The Harrogate Autumn Flower Show takes place from Friday 18 till Sunday 20 September at Newby Hall and Gardens, near Ripon.
Adult tickets are £29, with under-16s and general parking free.
Tickets are available online and on the gate.
For more information, visit https://www.flowershow.org.uk/autumn-show/