Laurence coming to the big show

Apr 18 2008 by David Holmes, Chester Chronicle

FLAMBOYANT interior designer Laurence Llewelyn Bowen is taking part in the Home and Garden Show at Chester Racecourse next month.

This will be Laurence’s first appearance at the event (May 30-June 1) and his talks are expected to draw big crowds.

And he promises to spill a few trade secrets when he takes to the main stage at the show on Sunday, June 1.

Also joining a host of the nation’s best-loved design experts is TV gardener Diarmuid Gavin, who is making a return visit to Chester to give a series of main stage talks on Friday and Saturday, May 30 and 31.

He is also planning on doing a little talent-spotting by looking out for the most promising young garden designers competing for this year’s design awards.

Visitors will be invited to vote for their favourite room set or show garden and those with the most votes will receive their awards at the pinnacle of the Home and Garden Show, a glamorous awards evening and dinner at the Chester Grosvenor and Spa.

The evening will be attended by a host of celebrities, including former Hollyoaks star Gemma Atkinson and Big Brother 1 winner Craig Phillips.

All profits from the tickets sold will go to the official show charity, the Teenage Cancer Trust.

And Gemma will be working with Arighi Bianchi to create a celebrity room set to form the basis for a suite for teenage cancer sufferers which will be created at Manchester’s Christie Hospital.

Other show highlights will include cookery demonstrations by Simon Rimmer on the Friday, free advice from interior and garden designers and hundreds of stands by homes, gardens and food companies.

Tickets for the show cost £7.50 in advance and £10 on the day. For the full line-up of celebrities , schedules and travel information or to book tickets online visit www.thehomeandgarden show.co.uk Alternatively call 01244 663400.

For more information on the design awards evening visit www.northerndesignawards.com