THE countdown is on for Musselburgh Horticultural Society’s annual community flower show.

The organisers are looking forward to welcoming local families to the event on Saturday, August 17, in St Michael’s Church Hall at 21 Dalrymple Loan.

The show opens to the public at 1pm, after the judging is complete.

Eve Dickinson, president of the horticultural society, said: “It is a community show that offers an afternoon of entertainment for all the family.

“We have classes for crafts, baking, jams, flower arrangements and children, in addition to flowers, fruit and vegetables.”

She added: “The MHS annual show actively discourages experts from showing their flowers, vegetables and fruit to give novice gardeners the best chance of a prize.

“We do not look for the wow factor of perfect huge blooms and kingsize cabbages. Our show is about community and fun – a chance to show off something that you are proud of growing or making in the last year.

“With so many miserable wet days this summer for the children, don’t forget to check out the young people’s classes of the flower show for ideas to keep them occupied on days like these.

“We have classes for all age groups – everything from flower arrangements, recycling, baking, flower arranging and photography.

“Stina Sparkles will be joining us again to do free facepainting. Our donations to the raffle from local businesses have been most generous and our tombola is as massive as ever. There will also be cake and candy, plant sales and refreshments.

“Entry is £2 for adults and free for children accompanied by an adult.”

Schedules with entry forms can be picked up at Musselburgh Library, Brunton Hall, Hollies Community Hub, Blueberry Gifts and Strawberry Corner Garden Centre or by emailing musselburghhorticulturalsociety@hotmail.com