Burstall Flower Show to remain true to roots for 70th anniversary

Villagers will take part in a treasure hunt and look back at days gone by as they celebrate a landmark event this weekend.

Burstall, near Ipswich, will host its 70th annual flower show on Saturday.

On offer will be a range of activities and competitions, including vegetable growing, baking, flower arranging and showing off handmade crafts.

To mark the milestone, a treasure hunt will take place, featuring memories and moments from past shows and celebrating the families who took part through the decades.

Visitors will also be given the chance to take part in The Great Burstall Bake Off competition, crowing the best Victoria sandwich.

Keith Raby, a resident who is the reigning baking champion, has been involved in the show for 22 years.

He said: “The Burstall Show just keeps going from strength to strength.

“It brings the whole village together in a way that’s really special.

“We work hard to keep the games and events traditional, and there’s something for everyone – the kids love it just as much as the older generations.

“When we moved here in 2002, we were looking for a community and that’s exactly what we found.

“There’s a wonderful spirit in Burstall. You have to experience it to really understand it.”

The event has run annually since 1954, only missing one year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

This year’s Burstall Flower Show will be held in memory of Nick Fiske, long-serving president of the Burstall Horticultural Society, who died in November.

He was born in Burstall in 1936 and dedicated his life to the village, serving as church warden, a parish councillor and an organiser of the flower show for many years.

Live entertainment will be on offer throughout the day, with Ipswich’s Swing Machine Big Bang performing at 12.30pm and 2.15pm, coinciding with a classic vehicle display, showing off the best models from the 1930s through to the 1960s.

Other activities include a dog show, tug of war, Punch & Judy performance, craft stalls, homemade cakes, barbecue and farm animals.

The show runs from noon to 5pm and parking is free.