SOME 22,000 visitors flocked to a sun soaked South Cumbria garden festival at the weekend.

Visitor numbers and trade sales were up at the 24th Holker Garden Festival, which experienced the year’s hottest temperatures.

Festival goers marvelled upon floral magnificence, live entertainment, inspiring arts and crafts and hundreds of exhibitors over the three days.

Popular TV gardening personality Charlie Dimmock was a hit on the Saturday an she was really impressed with the horticultural exhibits, crafts and produce.

New exhibits and attractions included the Rural Crafts Pavilion, the Arts Village and the Kitchen Garden Roadshow.

Judges commented on the consistently high standard of exhibits at the Holker Garden Festival, with a high number of golds being presented in the Horticultural Marquee this year. Sponsors GSK Ulverston experienced a busy schedule of ‘Sowing the seed for Science’ activities in the Holker Tipis.

Jillian Rouse, festival manager said: “What an absolutely wonderful show we’ve had. The sun shone and it’s been a fantastic success. It’s lovely to hear all of the positive comments from exhibitors about sales figures being up on last year. We had so many comments about the quality and selection of trade stands and produce.

Lots of gold’s and large gold awards given in the Horticultural Marquee too, which were greatly deserved. We really appreciate all of the hard work that our exhibitors put in to the show, along with all the visitors attending; they are what makes the festival a success.”