TV chef Ainsley to open Southport Flower Show

The star will also be showcasing the culinary skills which have made him one of Britain’s most popularTV cooks.

Ainsley is also a best selling author and appeared in the most recent series of TV’s “Strictly Come Dancing”. He will be opening the show on Thursday August 18.

His TV credits include Ainsley’s Barbecue Bible, Ready Steady Cook, Ainsley Harriott’s Street Food and Len and Ainsley’s Big Food Adventure and he will be sharing his expertise at two demonstrations in the show’s Food Village.

He said: “I’m really excited to have been asked to appear at the famous Southport Flower Show. I’ve heard so much about it over the years and, as I’ve always been interested in gardening and growing my own vegetables and herbs, I’m hoping to pick up a few tips while I’m there.”

This year’s show has a Mediterranean theme and will celebrate the culture, cuisine and fragrant gardens of the southern European coast.

It will also feature masterclasses from the UK’s top gardeners including Joe Swift, Carol Klein and Christine Walkden, plus the usual range of keenly contested amateur growers’ competitions. The spectacle of the Grand Floral Marquee is another top attraction. Chefs Aiden Byrne and Andrew Nutter will also appear at the show which runs until August 21.