Preparations under way at Vivary Park
The heart of summer in Taunton is beginning to change its rhythm as work gets under way to stage one of the town’s longest-running events. Vivary Park will be closed in stages over the coming days while organisers prepare the ground and erect structures for the Taunton Flower Show, which this year marks its 195th anniversary.
Members of the public who use the park for evening walks, dog exercise or simply to enjoy the gardens should expect parts of the site to be fenced off and to allow extra time for journeys through or around the area. Organisers have also said the park will be locked from 7pm each evening while construction and setup are under way.
"Taunton Flower Show is on its way. We've started building the show in Vivary Park, and for safety reasons, the park will begin closing in stages this week. The park will be locked from 7pm each evening. All surrounding businesses remain open and accessible as usual. We appreciate your patience as we get ready for this year's event."
The event is a staple of the town’s summer calendar and draws thousands of visitors from across the South West and beyond. Held in the park’s picturesque surroundings, the show is known for its horticultural displays, floral exhibits, shopping stands, food and drink traders, entertainment and family activities. Organisers stress the temporary restrictions are necessary to ensure the safe construction of marquees, exhibitor areas and other visitor facilities.
What to expect during the build-up
While exact timings for the show’s open days have not been confirmed in the statement released by organisers, the message to residents was clear: normal access will be affected in the lead-up to the event. The restrictions are phased to allow essential work while keeping as much of the park accessible as is safely possible.
- Park access: Fenced areas and staged closures across Vivary Park.
- Evening locking: Park to be locked from 7pm each evening during build-up.
- Local businesses: Surrounding shops and services remain open and accessible.
For many locals, Vivary Park is more than an events venue: it is a green lung at the centre of town, a place for daily dog walks, children’s play, and quiet riverside strolls. The work to convert that public space temporarily into an event site will inevitably be felt, particularly by those who use the park outside normal working hours.
Local consequences and context
The Taunton Flower Show’s long history makes it an important economic and social fixture. Stallholders, caterers and traders typically travel from across the region to trade at the show, providing a summer boost to the town’s hospitality and retail sectors. For many small independent traders, these events help sustain their businesses through the year.
At the same time, residents can expect increased traffic around the park on build days and during the show itself. Organisers’ reassurance that businesses around Vivary Park remain open is significant: it underlines an attempt to balance the needs of event logistics with the daily life of the town centre.
Those planning to use the park while the show is being built should consider alternative routes or times, and check for further updates from the Flower Show’s organisers. Further details about attractions and opening times are due to be released ahead of the event.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Event | Taunton Flower Show (195th anniversary) |
| Park access during build | Closed in stages; fenced areas |
| Evening closure | Locked from 7pm each evening |
As the town prepares to welcome the spectacle of the show, the coming days will feel a touch more industrious than usual. For those who know Vivary Park as a place of quiet pleasure, the transformation is a reminder of the many roles our shared green spaces play: from daily refuge to a stage for community celebration.
