Blooms to go on display at The Wakefield and North of England Tulip Society’s 180th show

Wakefield and the North of England Tulip Society's 177th annual tulip fair-Tulips on show at Horbury's tulip show.

The annual event which showcases English and Dutch tulips will take place at Primrose Hall, in Horbury on Saturday, May 9.

Staging takes place from 10am and judging will start at noon. It will be open to the public from 2.30pm to 4pm.

The society, which dates back to 1836, is one of the oldest florist societies in existence.

During the 19th century there were at least 200 tulip societies across the country, but since 1936 the Wakefield and North of England Tulip Society has been the only one in Britain.

Growing tulips was a pastime reserved for the rich, but the hobby was taken up by miners who would host shows in local pubs, with each tulip displayed in a beer bottle, a tradition which continues today.

The society will also host a smaller second show on Sunday, May 24 at Wrenthorpe Village Hall.

Visit www.tulipsociety.co.uk for more information.