Category: Malvern Caravan Show

A feast of familiar faces will be bringing their expert insights and advice to the Malvern Autumn Show at Three Counties Showground from 23 – 25 September 2022.

Award-winning garden designer and BBC Gardeners’ World presenter Arit Anderson will be sharing her expert advice on all things horticulture across the three days, while on Friday and Saturday Adam Frost will share his passion for inspiring people of all ages to embark on their own horticultural journey. On Sunday Frances Tophill will share her knowledge and advice on perennial planting schemes, herbs, vegetables and flowers.

Over at the Food & Drink Village, one of the most popular and influential figures on the UK culinary circuit, and TV cook show co-host and judge, John Torode MBE will be delighting visitors with live cookery demonstrations.

John Torode commented: “I am really excited to be welcoming in the new autumn season with a return visit to the UK’s biggest Harvest Festival at the Malvern Autumn Show. This annual celebration of this vibrant season is one of my favourite regional events.

John continued: “Visitors to the show can come along and catch me with some live cookery demonstrations in the Kitchen Theatre, alongside lots of local top-notch chefs and local restaurateurs.”

Channel 4’s Great British Bake Off finalist Chigs Parmar will be on hand to showcase the cooking skills he developed during lockdown, which earned him two star baker awards on the popular Channel 4 series. The Kitchen Theatre will be hosted by award-winning food writer and founder of Otter Farm, Mark Diacono, and will feature daily cooking demonstrations from a long list of outstanding regional chefs.

Archaeologist and presenter of BBC’s Escape to the Country Jules Hudson will join fellow co-host Nicki Chapman on stage at the Garden Theatre on Sunday to reminisce about working together on the popular TV show for over a decade.

Also joining Nicki on stage at the Garden Theatre will be Reg Moule, one of Worcestershire’s best loved gardening personalities and radio broadcasters. Reg received the RHS long service medal in 2014 to mark 42 years in the horticultural trade, and will be sharing the breadth of knowledge he has gathered over the years.

Floristry extraordinaire Jonathan Moseley, known for his expertise on BBC’s The Big Allotment Challenge, will bring floral theatre to a whole new level with his effervescent displays and engaging demonstrations across the weekend.

Set against the backdrop of Worcestershire’s glorious Malvern Hills, the three-day spectacular promises to celebrate the very best of the season, from giant crops, floral art and the spectacular RHS Flower Show, to shopping, family fun, local ciders and tasty treats.

Advance tickets for the Malvern Autumn Show are £18.85 per person, £17.85 for members and free of charge for children under 16. Book online in advance to save at www.malvernautumn.co.uk or call 01684 584900 for more information.

On International Women’s Day 2022, here at Three Counties we’re celebrating the fact our last eight appointments have all been women. From different backgrounds, career channels and with a range of ages and experience, these women join at a vibrant, exciting time for the Showground and bring their talents and experience to the existing team.

Chief Executive, Ken Nottage commented:

“The number eight itself is recognised as a prestigious number, symbolising achievement, good business sense, powerful presence and a strong drive for success. Eight represents balance and with balance comes stability, control and support – all contributing to being the most productive environment to work in. And in Chinese culture, eight is the luckiest number of all. We’re certain our eight new female colleagues will flourish with these auspicious associations!”

In the ‘Shows’ department, Alice Arnold, Jayne Unwin, Sophie Vick, Samantha Jones and Kate Dufton have joined.

Alice Arnold is the Lead on Royal Three Counties Show. She has extensive experience of sponsorship and project management of live events and has organised the North Herefordshire Mounted Games at the Showground, so knows the venue well. Alice has a BSc (Hons) in Rural Enterprise and Land Management from Harper Adams University and has a passion and comprehensive knowledge of farming and rural life. She is also a talented artist, specialising in animals.

Jayne Unwin is Education Executive and has worked in early years and primary

education with an MA Education (Early Years) from University of Worcester. She has extensive experience of systems engineering, project management and auditing prior to moving into the field of education. Jayne is a Girlguiding Leader in Herefordshire and loves being outdoors.

Sophie Vick started in January as Shows Executive for Royal Three Counties Show. She was previously an event and wedding planner at Bredenbury Barns and runs her own business, ‘Muddy Knees Go Karts’, selling wooden outdoor kits for families, exhibiting twice at the Royal Three Counties Show. Sophie has a keen interest in gardening and home renovations and has a thriving vegetable garden.

Kate Dufton joined in February as Shows Executive for the Malvern Autumn Show. She recently worked on the ‘Sydney Royal Easter Show’, Australia’s largest outdoor event with over 1 million visitors. She graduated with a 1^st from Sheffield Hallam University with a BSc (Hons) in Events Management. Kate’s late father owned a vintage tractor, and her uncle is a retired farmer so there is plenty of rural knowledge in the family!

Samantha Jones has joined as Graduate Shows Co-ordinator whilst she completes her BSc (Hons) degree in Events and Festival Management at the University of Shrewsbury. She also has a FDA Rural Events Management qualification from University Centre Reaseheath. Samantha owns 11 horses and works in the family business running an equestrian stunt team ‘The Horsemen of the Knight’. She has been coming to the Royal Three Counties Show and Malvern Autumn Show for many years.

Moving into other areas of the business, we welcome Kirsty Adams as PA to the Chief Executive.

Kirsty worked at Russell & Co solicitors for 11 years as a Legal PA and Paralegal specialising in rural conveyancing. Kirsty has a BA (Hons) degree in Equine Studies with Business Management and a Specialist Paralegal qualification in residential conveyancing. She lives locally with partner Mickey and cat Lillian and enjoys horse riding, walking, reading, crochet and clay pigeon shooting.

And finally, onto the Marketing team with two appointments, Briony Watkins and Suzi Freely.

Briony has quickly become a crucial member of the team taking on responsibilities for digital and social media. She uses her graphic design skills to create exciting media posts and campaigns supporting all the shows at the Three Counties and has a keen eye for analysis and reporting. She previously worked at arrangeMY as a Business Travel Consultant and has freelanced for local businesses. Briony graduated from the University of Worcester in 2021 with a 1^st class BA (Hons) in Marketing, Advertising and PR, and was awarded two academic scholarship awards. Away from work, Briony enjoys travelling, cinema, reading and Winston, her pet tortoise.

Suzi will be working across all the shows in 2022, providing marketing and promotion for each event. She has a BA (Hons) Law and Society and BA (Hons) Law from University of Exeter although her career has been in marketing, sponsorship, and events. Suzi has worked for Harlequins Rugby Club, Natural History Museum, Sky and recently as a flexible marketing consultant whilst volunteering in her local community, fundraising for several charities, and bringing up two children. She and her family have just moved to Malvern – ‘back to her roots’ as she and her husband grew up in Worcestershire.

It’s definitely not just luck that brings these eight women to the Three Counties – all are educated, professional, experienced in their fields. Already they’ve made a difference, shown tremendous dedication, and shown their passion and interest in rural communities. All eight will play their part within their respective, highly experienced teams in the aims of the Three Counties Agricultural Society in promoting agriculture, horticulture and arboriculture and developing understanding between rural and urban communities. The future is certainly looking bright at Three Counties!

A feast of well-known faces will be bringing their expert insights and advice to RHS Malvern Spring Festival this May.

Celebrities from the worlds of gardening, floristry and food will come together to inspire visitors, with lively talks and fun and informative demonstrations at the popular event held at Three Counties Showground between May 5 and 8.

Chefs appearing at the Nourish Theatre will include the perennially popular Raymond Blanc OBE of the acclaimed two-star Michelin restaurant Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons near Oxford; Sabrina Ghayour, renowned for flavourful Persian and Middle Eastern cuisine; Valentine Warner, known for his love of nature and travel and a cooking style he describes as ‘international grandmother’, and Jeremy Pang founder of the ‘School of Wok’. The theatre will be hosted by award-winning food writer and RHS Malvern-regular Mark Diacono.

The gardening glitterati at this year’s show will include several presenters from the BBC’s popular Gardeners’ World programme. Monty Don, Carol Klein, and Frances Tophill will be appearing at the Festival Theatre, hosted by one of the country’s foremost garden designers James Alexander Sinclair.

Gardeners’ World presenter Arit Anderson will champion the Nurture Theatre, located in a new zone that explores how horticulture can positively affect mental and physical health and social wellbeing. She will be supported by a line up of guests and podcasters.

Meanwhile florist to the stars Jonathan Moseley will be joining the celebration of British floristry and the UK cut flower industry in the Bloom Theatre. This will also be the place to pose with specially designed oversized floral crowns made from sustainable British-grown blooms and foliage for the ultimate social media shot.

Shows Manager, Jane Edwards commented; “RHS Malvern Spring Festival is world renowned for its eclectic line-up of celebrities, speakers and extra special guests and our 35^th show is no exception! We are proud to welcome an array of horticultural specialists, foodie favourites and Instagram sensations, plus household names across our four main stages.”

Unique Christmas gifts are hard to come by but with a huge array of different events taking place at Three Counties Showground in 2022, gift giving just got easier!

With a calendar packed full of events including CountryTastic (14 April), RHS Malvern Spring Festival (5-8 May), Royal Three Counties Show (17-19 June), and Malvern Autumn Show (23-25 September) everyone can find a gift to suit their loved ones this Christmas, no matter their interests, by gifting tickets for these popular days out.

CountryTastic (14 April) is just the thing for families. A sell-out event each year, young children can interact with their favourite farmyard friends at CountryTastic and discover all there is to know about the countryside.

For the keen gardener or food enthusiast, RHS Malvern Spring Festival (5-8 May) offers a unique celebration of horticulture and food, with plants, food, gardens, and a sparkling special guest line up.

If you know someone who is passionate about farming and the countryside, or is partial to a food festival, tickets for Royal Three Counties Show (17-19 June) tickets provide a celebration of animals and the outdoors in the height of summer.

For fans of seasonal food, giant vegetables, special guests and live entertainment, look no further than tickets for Malvern Autumn Show (23-25 September) a harvest festival like no other and a fun-filled day out for the whole family.

To book tickets now for these events and much more, visit www.threecounties.co.uk/buy-tickets

On the lookout for the perfect group day out? Your search is over, with Three Counties Showground, Malvern, all set to host three prestigious shows in 2022.

Kick off the spring season with the acclaimed RHS Malvern Spring Festival on May 5-8. Back with a bang for 2022, this must-see event for gardeners and gardening enthusiasts includes expert advice, inspirational floral displays, award-winning show gardens, an exciting programme of special guests, celebrity chefs and TV personalities and some of the best shopping, food and drink around.

Everyone’s favourite celebration of the countryside and rural life, Royal Three Counties Show, takes place from June 17-19. The hearty feast of farming, food and family entertainment brings together exciting main arena acts, over 6000 animals to see and lots to do for families.

And to round off the year, everyone’s favourite harvest festival, Malvern Autumn Show, returns for three days on September 23-25. Expect home-grown family fun, with award-winning nurseries, special guest line up from the worlds of growing and food, and the incredible CANNA UK National Giant Vegetables Championship.

Great discounts are available for advance group bookings for each show, with savings of up to £6 per person. For more information, call 0800 358 0058 or email groups@ticketfactory.com

Expert growers will once again battle it out to win the coveted prize of heaviest or longest vegetables in the much-loved CANNA UK National Giant Vegetables Championship, when it returns to the Malvern Autumn Show at Three Counties Showground, from 24^th – 26^th September 2021.

Each year records are broken as expert growers wow spectators with their enormous fruit and vegetables, as adjudicators and representatives from the National Vegetable Society officiate the competition. At the 2019 competition, the longest turnip prize and new Guinness World Record was set at a massive 4.064m (13ft4in) by Joe Atherton (UK).

From giant pumpkins to enormous turnips, huge beetroots to massive parsnips, the competition promises to be packed full of fantastic fruits and vegetables like you’ve never seen before!

Jane Edwards, Shows Manager, said: “The jewel in the crown of our annual harvest celebration is undoubtedly the CANNA UK Giant Vegetables Championship and we are delighted to be hosting it at this year’s Malvern Autumn Show. Whether you are looking for monstrous marrows, colossal carrots, or a whale of a watermelon, we have a vast array of giant vegetables on display, all guaranteed to make you stop and take a closer look!”

Competitors of all ages can get involved in the Championship, with children from 5 – 15 years taking part in the Junior Sunflower classes to see who can grow the largest sunflower head. Other family friendly fun over the weekend includes the World of Animals showcase, the Top Dogs Arena, a giant climbing wall as well as a jam-packed programme of free children’s activities including arts and crafts, circus skills, pedal tractors and much more.

Also taking place over the long weekend is the RHS Flower Show, a dazzling display of exceptional blooms, the ever-popular Westons Cider Garden, a tantalizing new Outdoor Food & Drink Village, a vintage area hosting music from bygone eras, vintage vehicles, and memorabilia, plus celebrity and special guests including TV chef Rosemary Shrager and BBC Gardeners’ World presenter Adam Frost.

Advance tickets to the Malvern Autumn Show cost £18 for general admission, children under 16 go free. For further information or to book tickets see www.malvernautumn.co.uk or call 01684 584924.

Epicureans craving a good food and drink festival need wait no longer, as the all-new outdoor Food and Drink Village makes its debut at the Malvern Autumn Show from Friday 24 to Sunday 26 September.

Returning to the Three Counties Showground, this year’s show promises to tantalise the tastebuds with endless food and drink and the opportunity to enjoy a tipple in the Malvern Gin Show, relax and enjoy the Westons Cider Garden or try something new at the Perry Festival.

Fans of Eat Well for Less? will be excited to find presenter and produce expert Chris Bavin hosting demos and talks in the Food and Drink Theatre each day. While television mainstay chef, Rosemary Shrager, will appear on the Saturday and Saturday Kitchen’s Matt Tebutt on Sunday.

The all-new Outdoor Food and Drink Village will feature no less than 40 local producers from across the three counties and beyond, catering for all tastes and needs, and offering a sample or two!

Visitors can look forward to exploring exciting cuisines from Bob’s Curry Hut, Just Thai, Mediterranean BBQ, Samosa and Sauce, The Sweet Greeks and Sisters Indian Street Food. As well as British staples and titbits from Brockleby’s Pies, The Crusty Pie Company, Derek Priestley Cheesemonger, Farm to Shop, Handmade Cornish Pasties, The Original Welsh Oggie Co. and Nixon Farm Pen-min-cae Welsh Black Beef and Lamb.

Sweet treats will come courtesy of Chock Shop, Brownies Rock, Continental Bakery, Fat Bottom Welsh Cakes, Flapjackery, Georgie Porgies Puddings, Ivor’s Ice Cream, Platinum Pancakes Worcester and Yoghurt Delights.

While visitors can enjoy a range of drinks on offer from Gun Dog Gin, Gwatkin Cider Co. Harley House Distillery, Luke’s Cider, Malvern Cider, Morrison & Mackay and more.

Show sponsors Westons will be hosting their ever-popular Westons Cider Garden, offering a refreshing taste of Hereford’s finest in the heart of the showground. While those with a taste for something stronger will undoubtedly enjoy the Malvern Gin Show, sponsored by Ludlow Gin, which will showcase regional gin producers, including Little Knapp Distillery, Penrhos Spirits, Hussingtree Blends, Black Mountains Botanicals, Gun Dog Gin, Hinton’s of Bewdley and more. Sit back, relax and listen to ‘gintastic’ talks, discover recipe ideas and take part in daily tasting sessions in the Gin Pod Theatre. While there, visitors can also place their vote in the People’s Choice competition.

For cider and perry fans, the Orchard and Hopyard Pavilion will showcase over 100 different perries to try, featuring a range of Single Varieties, Blends and International Perries. A range of perry producers will be on hand to talk about the art of Perry making, plus hints and tips on making this much-loved drink.

Jane Edwards, Shows Manager, said: “We are excited to welcome visitors to the first open air Food and Drink Village at this year’s Malvern Autumn Show, with more diverse producers than ever before.

“We all know that it’s important to support our local producers, and we have some of the finest food and drinks vendors joining us for three days of foodie fun, offering a chance for families to explore a world of flavours and learn a thing or two from our celebrity chefs and presenters.”

Not forgetting home and garden inspiration, arts and crafts, the CANNA UK National Giant Vegetables Championship, a Vintage Village, shopping stalls galore, free family fun and activities, and more special guests still to be announced!

Entry to the Food and Drink Village is included in admission to the Malvern Autumn Show, an annual celebration of gardening, food & drink, artisan produce and nostalgia taking place from Friday 24 to Sunday 26 September.

Advance tickets cost £18 for general admission, children under 16 go free. All tickets are available to buy in advance at www.malvernautumn.co.uk or call 01684 584924 for more information.

Image – Jane Edwards, Shows Manager & Chris Eldridge, Head of Shows & Commercial – Three Counties Showground.

The Three Counties Showground has announced a new team structure that will enable it to deliver an enhanced programme of agricultural and horticultural events, as well as service increasing demand as a central venue for hire.

Best known for its world renowned RHS Malvern Spring Festival, Royal Three Counties Show and Malvern Autumn Show each year, the showground has also developed a reputation as a private hire venue, with a site boasting 90 acres and an impressive variety of multi-use spaces.

A series of senior appointments have been made, including Chris Eldridge, Head of Shows and Commercial whose role has now been expanded with an overall remit for shows, venue hire and delivery of the exciting new Langdale Woods holiday lodges development.

Jane Edwards joins the team in the new role of Shows Manager and replaces the outgoing Head of Shows, Diana Walton, who has been with Three Counties since 2009.

Diana Walton commented: “I’ve been privileged to work with an outstanding and committed team at Three Counties.  The Society plays an important role in the shows industry, and I wish it the very best for the future.”

Jane Edwards is no stranger to the showground having previously worked in the shows team. Jane rejoins with a mandate for further development of the core events programme, to attract new and emerging audiences.

Jane Edwards said: “I am looking forward to the challenge and to joining at a time of investment in the development of our highly acclaimed shows programme”.

Ken Nottage, Three Counties Showground Chief Executive said: “I would like to congratulate both Chris and Jane and wish them well in their new roles as we enter a new and exciting chapter for the showground and society.”

Midsummer Festival Flair Competition

Three Counties is inviting you to show your Flair and help make the Midsummer Garden Life Festival on 23-25 June into the Country’s most vibrant floral spectacular!

Win a pair of Early Access tickets to the Midsummer Garden Life Festival, by simply posting a fun photo of the fabulous summer outfit you plan to wear to the event, tagging in @MalvernShows with hashtag #MidsummerGardenLife.

Whether you choose to wear a flower crown, a colourful top or your favourite florals, tag us on Facebook to enter by 12 noon on 15 June.

The lucky winner will be selected by our independent judging panel on 16 June 2021.

Midsummer Garden Life Festival on 23-25 June is promising to be full of the magic of Midsummer, offering visitors a chance to buy the very best summer plants from 40 of the UK’s leading nurseries including Hardy’s Cottage Garden Plants, New Forest Hosta, Pheasant Acre Nurseries, Priorswood Clematis and Kitchen Garden Plant Centre.

To buy tickets, visit www.threecounties.co.uk/buy-tickets

Terms and Conditions

1- The promoter is Three Counties Agricultural Society whose registered office is at Three Counties Showground, Malvern, WR13 6NW

2- The competition is open to residents of the United Kingdom aged 18 years or over except employees of Three Counties and their close relatives and anyone otherwise connected with the organisation or judging of the competition.

3- There is no entry fee and no purchase necessary to enter this competition.

4- By entering this competition, an entrant is indicating his/her agreement to be bound by these terms and conditions.

5- Route to entry for the competition and details of how to enter are via www.facebook.co.uk/malvernshows

6- Only one entry will be accepted per person. Multiple entries from the same person will be disqualified.

7- Closing date for entry will be 12 Noon on 15 June 2021. After this date the no further entries to the competition will be permitted.

8- No responsibility can be accepted for entries not received for whatever reason.

9- The rules of the competition and how to enter are as follows:

• Post a photo of your fun Festival outfit
• Tag @MalvernShows
• Hashtag #MidsummerGardenLife

10- The promoter reserves the right to cancel or amend the competition and these terms and conditions without notice in the event of a catastrophe, war, civil or military disturbance, act of God or any actual or anticipated breach of any applicable law or regulation or any other event outside of the promoter’s control. Any changes to the competition will be notified to entrants as soon as possible by the promoter.

11- The promoter is not responsible for inaccurate prize details supplied to any entrant by any third party connected with this competition.

12- The prize is as follows: A pair of Early Access Tickets for Midsummer Garden Life Festival

The prize is as stated and no cash or other alternatives will be offered. The prizes are not transferable. Prizes are subject to availability and we reserve the right to substitute any prize with another of equivalent value without giving notice.

13- Winners will be chosen by judging panel appointed by the promotor.

14- The winner will be notified by DM on Facebook within 2 days of the closing date. If the winner cannot be contacted or do not claim the prize within 7 days of notification, we reserve the right to withdraw the prize from the winner and pick a replacement winner.

15- The promoter will notify the winner when and where the prize can be delivered.

16- The promoter’s decision in respect of all matters to do with the competition will be final and no correspondence will be entered into.

17- By entering this competition, an entrant is indicating his/her agreement to be bound by these terms and conditions.

18- The competition and these terms and conditions will be governed by English law and any disputes will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England.

19- The winner agrees to the use of his/her name and image in any publicity material, as well as their entry. Any personal data relating to the winner or any other entrants will be used solely in accordance with current [UK] data protection legislation and will not be disclosed to a third party without the entrant’s prior consent.

20- The winner’s name will be available 28 days after closing date by emailing the following address: marketing@threecounties.co.uk

21- Entry into the competition will be deemed as acceptance of these terms and conditions.

22- This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook, Twitter or any other Social Network. You are providing your information to Three Counties and not to any other party.

Three Counties has announced that the new Midsummer Garden Life Festival, has been extended to three days from 23-25 June, 2021, to enable more visitors to safely come together and celebrate their passion for plants, food, music and their love of the great outdoors.

Following the disappointment of the cancellation of RHS Malvern Spring Festival for the last two years, Three Counties has curated this new and exciting Festival to offer visitors a chance to buy the very best summer plants from 40 of the UK’s leading nurseries including Hardy’s Cottage Garden Plants, New Forest Hosta, Pheasant Acre Nurseries, Priorswood Clematis and Kitchen Garden Plant Centre.

When it comes some much-needed retail therapy, Festival goers can select from over 100 carefully chosen gardenalia and craft stalls for a unique selection of gifts for homes and garden.

Visitors to the Midsummer Garden Life Festival need not worry about foreign travel restrictions as they will be able to experience three, theatrically themed, floral holiday destinations, without the need of a passport or the any need to quarantine!

Flaming June in an English Garden
Visitors can begin their Festival travel experience with a ‘staycation’ that celebrates the  best of a flaming June in the UK. The centrepiece will be a richly planted classic English garden which is being created by innovative, Worcester based landscape architect and Garden Designer Ruth Gwynn. Visitors will be enveloped in the heady fragrance and rich colours of Midsummer, as they walk through the verdant garden bursting with blooms including roses and lavender.

As June is the peak of the British Strawberry season, visitors will be able to celebrate the taste of summer with a selection of the very best local Strawberry varieties which are being grown especially for the Midsummer Garden Life Festival. Quintessential English music will entertain visitors as they enjoy the best of British food and drink, from elegant Afternoon Teas to gourmet Fish and Chips. There will also be a bevy of British beverages available too including traditional local ciders and botanical summer gins.

Magic of the Mediterranean
Next, Festival goers who are missing their holidays to Europe, can take a stroll into the dry heat and aromatic scents of an ancient olive grove, in a Mediterranean garden created by Olive Tree Specialist Villaggio Verde. Visitors can relax to cool sounds of Latin jazz and enjoy a Mezze of Greek cuisine and refreshments.

Island Exotic
Then it is time to take off, on a jet-lag free trip across the world to enjoy far away, exotic destinations created by award-winning garden designer Peter Dowle and Leaf Creative. The first stop is a vibrant and colourful visit to the floral and musical delights of a Caribbean Island, serenaded with the joyous rhythm of a steel band. Then it is on to the last leg of the travel tour, to enjoy a relaxed stroll through a tranquil acer-filled woodland garden glade in the Far East.

The Happiness Theatre
At the heart of the Festival is the Happiness Theatre which will provide a host of music and musings from special guests including RHS Malvern favourite and gardening guru Carol Klein (pictured), who will be talking to Festival goers throughout the three days.  There will also be plenty of Midsummer madness from garden designer James Alexander Sinclair, who will be revelling in revealing some of his lesser-known cultural talents, with readings from a selection of his favourite floral poetry.

Commenting, Head of Shows, Di Walton said, “We are excited to be able to create a floral and cultural spectacular for people to enjoy, where they can come together safely within our 90 acres Showground and share in the beauty and culture of Midsummer. This will be unique event with a real celebratory Festival vibe, which we hope encapsulates the height of Midsummer, through plants, food and music.

We will of course be following all the latest Government social distance guidelines and are offering limited access to the Showground each day and therefore advance booking is essential.”

Series of Life Festivals
The Midsummer Garden Life Festival in June is the first of Three ‘Life Festival’ Events taking place at Three Counties Showground this summer.  In July the Showground will open the gates to The Three Counties Good Life Show, which will be providing a fabulous few days of fun for those looking to have a go at growing their own in their garden or plot.  The third summer Festival will be a The Fun Life Festival in August, which as the name suggests will be a fun filled Festival for the whole family to explore the many joys of outdoor living.

Tickets for The Midsummer Garden Life Festival are available from https://www2.theticketfactory.com/three-counties/online/

Three Counties Showground vaccination centre to join the fight against Covid-19 in Herefordshire and Worcestershire

The Three Counties Showground, based in Malvern, Worcestershire, plans to open next week and is the fourth vaccination centre to open across the two counties.

This is another significant milestone in the growing vaccination programme across Herefordshire and Worcestershire following the opening of the Artrix Theatre in Bromsgrove, which opened in January and St Peter’s Baptist Church in Worcester and Elgar House in Hereford opening last month.

The site at the Three Counties is being run by SW Healthcare and plans to begin vaccinations from Tuesday 2 March. SW Healthcare, who also run the Artrix Theatre and St Peter’s vaccination centres is a federation of GP practices in Worcestershire.

Dr Gemma Moore, GP and Clinical Director for SW Healthcare, said: “This vaccination centre will further increase our local capacity to deliver Covid-19 vaccines, building upon the success of our GP-led teams and those at the other centres in delivering this programme so quickly across the two counties.

“These have been instrumental in helping us to introduce the vaccine in Herefordshire and Worcestershire so far, and we look forward to continuing to drive this programme forward.

“We will be inviting patients based on the Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) priority list, targeting the most vulnerable patients first. We’re asking patients not to attend the centre if they haven’t booked an appointment.”

“GP-led teams will also be continuing to invite patients to attend local vaccination sites, so those patients who are unable to get to the larger centres can still wait to be called forward by their GP.”

Ken Nottage, Three Counties Showground Chief Executive said: “Three Counties is proud and honoured to host a vaccination centre for Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

“This is not a commercial venture for Three Counties but rather an opportunity for us to play our part in supporting the national challenge to combat Covid-19. We have been extremely impressed with the planning and effort that has gone into establishing this facility which is testament to the determination of the NHS to deliver a mass vaccination programme.

“I would encourage the public to play their part now by having a vaccination when they are invited to.”

Over the coming weeks people will continue to be invited to take up the offer to be vaccinated according to the eligible cohorts as outlined nationally by the JCVI.

Please wait until you receive your invitation – there is no drop-in service. In the meantime, it is crucial that everyone continues to follow the national guidelines to keep themselves safe.

Other sites in the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Covid-19 vaccination network include:

• GP-led vaccination services– these are led by Primary Care Networks of local GP surgeries working together. There are 17 of these sites covering all areas of Herefordshire and Worcestershire.
• GP-led teams working to protect care homes residents vaccinating inside the homes, as well as visiting housebound patients.
• Hospital Hubs – protecting hospital staff, care home staff and some hospital patients.
  Community pharmacies – one has now opened in Redditch with more planning to open in the coming weeks.

Figures published on 25 February 2021 by NHS England show that nearly 260,000 first vaccinations have now been administered across Herefordshire and Worcestershire. This means that more than 40% of our population (those aged over 16) have now had their first dose and have some protection against the virus, including nearly everyone aged over 70 and already over 80% of people aged between 65 and 69.