It is the 175th anniversary of Largs Flower Show coming soon, and to celebrate, the club are appealing to the community for any old historic photos or documents in relation to the event.

Actress Daniela Nardini will be presenting the prizes at this year's anniversary show which takes place on Saturday 20 August, and Lord Glasgow will be opening the prestigious event.

In 1840, a group of local professional gardeners got together to form Largs Agricultural and Horticultural Society.

The main purpose of the society was to host an annual flower show, and up until then, the showing of flowers and produce was very much a part of the Agricultural Show.

The reason for holding the show was so that professional gardeners could show their locally grown produce and plant collections, compete against each other, show what could be grown in the local area, and impart their knowledge to others so they too could grow their own promoting horticulture.

The first show as held in the Brisbane Arms Inn (now The George) on 18 September 1841. Halkshill was reputed to be the only estate in Largs to have a greenhouse.

In the early years the show's popularity grew and word quickly spread, gaining the reputation of 'the best local show in the west of Scotland'

Artillery Hall, at the foot of Seamore Street, was the home of the Flower Show from 1878 to 1939. As the show grew it not only filled the main hall but also the drill hall and marquee out the back. In the late 1800s/early 1900s.

Local businesses donated prizes including medals, silver pins and badges, watches, cabinet photographs, and much more.

The show has been opened by Lord Kelvin and his wife Lady Kelvin in 1898, with the famous scientist expressing the view that the show represented 'a beautiful exhibition of works of art.'

There were no flower shows during the war years, the show stopping after 1914, and was revived in 1938, attracting between 500-600 entries.

The new classes were industrial (hobbies and crafts), children's, farmers, and a household section (baking and preserves).

The resurrected show was shortlived as it was again stopped due to war, and returned in 1950, with a revised schedule and has continued ever since. Many people remember the 'Big Top' marquee on the north foreshore in the 60s and 70s.

There have been many changes to the flower show over the years but there are still classes in the schedule today that featured away back in 1841!

The Flower Show is believed to be the oldest event of its kind running in Largs, and the Largs and Millport News, has provided cuttings from its archive from the history exhibition for the 175th anniversary show.

The show schedules are available at Largs Library, Largs Museum & Largs Co-op. You can also visit www.largshorticultural.org.uk or contact the secretary on 01475 689423.

You don’t have to be an experienced exhibitor, help is always on hand at the show. Just pick-up a show schedule, check your plants and produce to see what you have and bring your entries along on Friday 19 August between 2.30pm and 6.15pm. The hall closes at 6.15pm sharp for judging at 6.30pm