A GRAND harvest festival has been planned to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Malvern Autumn Show.

The two-day celebration, in association with Westons Cider Mill, returns on September 28 and 29 to the Three Counties Showground at Malvern and will be brimming with special guests, giant vegetables, stunning floral displays and family entertainment.

Diana Walton, head of Shows at Three Counties Showground, said: “We’re delighted to be celebrating the 25th Malvern Autumn Show in 2019.

It’s a glorious celebration of the harvest season and we’ve got plenty of delights on offer.

“I’m proud to have worked at the very first Malvern Autumn Show and to be heading the show team 25 years later is a privilege.

“We hope that there will be something for everyone to take away from the show, whether it be some top gardening advice from experts, amazement at some of the largest vegetables in the UK or some brilliant fun with our family entertainment.

“Malvern Autumn Show showcases the best of what our three counties have to offer, and from humble beginnings it’s become everyone’s favourite show.

We’re excited to announce for the first time we’re offering free entry to under 16’s so it really is fun for the whole family.”

This year sees the return of the Autumn Potager Theatre, hosted by James Alexander-Sinclair, welcoming an array of guests including the likes of Carol Klein, Joe Swift, Jonathan Moseley and Alys Fowler.

The special guests will be hosting a variety of talks and demonstrations and sharing their gardening knowledge.

Ever popular with the crowds and a highlight of Malvern Autumn Show is the CANNA UK National Giant Vegetables Championship, with growers from across the UK competing to see who can beat the gong for the largest or heaviest legumes.

With previous World Records broken at the show, the competition is a true sight to behold. Classes range from heaviest celery, last year’s winner weighed in at over 40kg, and the longest parsnip measured over 7m to the heaviest aubergine and longest chilli.

For those seeking homegrown artisan food, the Food Hall will be home to an array of incredible treats and a host of experts giving demonstrations in the Cookery Theatre, including celebrity chef, Jean Christophe Novelli.

New for 2019, Malvern Autumn Show will be hosting the Gin Show, showcasing producers from across the three counties and beyond. Celebrating everything from London Dry to quirky flavoured gins, there’ll be plenty of samples to wet the whistle, plus a People’s Choice award for the visitors’ favourite.

The RHS Flowers Show has a record number of 40 nurseries competing for the coveted RHS medals with their colourful floral displays. RHS Gardening Advisors will be on hand to help with any gardening queries, from wisteria pruning to planting solutions for a shady corner.

The Potting Shed hosted by Three Counties favourite, Reg Moule, is the ideal place to develop horticultural skills and build up confidence in the garden.

It’s fun for all ages across the weekend, with the Family Green playing host to excellent entertainment, with plenty of activities and even some giant tortoises.

The Top Dogs Arena promises a spectacle of displays, commentated by broadcasting legend Peter Purves.

In the World of Animals, over 100 displays of animals of all shapes and sizes will be a firm favourite with the youngsters.

Hundreds of trade stands will offer everything from regional food and drink to bespoke jewellery and flower and plant nurseries.