Tickets have gone live for Shropshire Petal Fields, which returns to Newport this summer from August 6th to 16th.
The spectacular flower field invites visitors to wander through different layers of colour with delphiniums, cornflowers, sunflowers, and wildflowers. There is a woodland area to explore to add some variety for families, and this year it takes in a picturesque lake. A phone-free area is being introduced in the field to create a moment of mindfulness as well as morning yoga sessions.
At the entrance, tipis and marquees are set up so visitors can access the pop-up café and buy petal confetti and freshly cut flower bouquets, with plenty of seating and cover.
Shropshire Petal Fields is a joint venture between two successful Shropshire businesses. Petal confetti business, Shropshire Petals, provides one of their huge flower fields, and Shropshire Festivals turns it into a visitor attraction for 11 days over the summer.
The opening dates are only revealed once the flower team can be sure the blooms will be at their best from the 3.5+ million seeds that are planted for the event. Due to crop rotation, the festival takes place on a new field every year with different views across the county and beyond.
Ahead of the opening dates, there will be two live music events in the flower field. Pop in the Petals will welcome dancing queens for an ABBA tribute night on July 31st, featuring ABBASensation. On August 1st, a 50-piece orchestra will play songs from stage and screen for Proms in the Petals.
Shropshire Petal Fields was first launched in 2023 and came about from a connection made nearly 30 years ago. Beth Heath, Director of Shropshire Festivals, had her Harper Adams University placement year at Lynn South Farm in Newport. She was tasked with setting up a fresh flower business before Shropshire Petals had been established there.
“I’ve remained friends with the Bubb family ever since,” Beth said. “Around 5 years ago, I visited the family in the summer months and saw their stunning flower fields in bloom. The acres of bright colours took my breath away. So, I told them we needed to turn it into a flower field experience, and here we are! Since then, we’ve welcomed tens of thousands of visitors from all corners of the UK.
“A stroll through the petal fields is a wonderful way to connect with nature and let the stresses of life fall away. It’s unlike any other event experience we have ever created. It’s very special and unique to the county.”
Shropshire Petals uses solar-powered robots to sow and weed the flowers. This state-of-the-art GPS precision technology means visitors experience the most vibrant and fullest blooms, plus it saves backbreaking hours of weeding.
“Shropshire Petal Fields is a destination to capture memories,” said Ashley Evers-Swindell, Head of Marketing at Shropshire Petals. “The flowers provide a stunning backdrop for photos with loved ones – we have families, couples, and friends visiting us every year. We’ve witnessed proposals, engagement photoshoots, and baby gender reveals too.
“The setting here is spectacular. Not only are there beautiful blooms, but there are some novel photo points with vintage tractors, giant chairs, huge butterfly wings, a bath, a zebra, and a giraffe!”
The organisers have teamed up with The Pastry Box in Newport to offer a Ploughman’s Hamper for two or four people that must be booked in advance via the website.
Professional photographers can purchase a photography pass so they can take commercial images, and if you are interested in holding a sunset event or photography shoot, get in touch with Shropshire Festivals via their website.
Beth adds, “Having two successful, family-run businesses work together has created something very special, which shines a light on just how amazing this county is. Come and see it for yourself!”
The flower field will be open daily from August 6th to 16th. Opening times are 10am – 5pm. When booking, you have the choice of a morning ticket (10am – 1.30pm) or an afternoon ticket (1.30pm – 5pm). There are three dog days planned on August 12th, 15th, and 16th, a Princess Event on August 11th, and a sunset late opening on August 14th.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.shropshirepetalfields.co.uk.
