The flower show is always one of the most colourful elements of the Suffolk Show – and this year’s event is no exception with a collection of stunning displays.

All the displays were put together between 1pm and 8.30pm on Tuesday, but it was a real challenge for competitors to find the right materials.

Flower show steward Gloria Taylor said: “You first have to find a wholesaler who will open specially on the bank holiday weekend to allow you to get the right flowers. Then you have to get them conditioned for the show.”

The competitors were making their arrangements during the near-monsoon conditions on Tuesday afternoon when show staff battled to get rid of the water that was falling.

“It was pretty bad, but we get that sometimes. I remember once we were making arrangements in the middle of a thunderstorm – that was pretty interesting!” Mrs Taylor added.

As a steward she is not able to enter the show this year – but has done in the past.

All the entries have to comply with a strict list of rules laid down by the National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies (NAFAS) – and woe betide anyone who gets something wrong. The notes that accompany the marks leave the designer in no doubt about why they did not win the top prize!

The judging, from 7am this morning, is always a nervous time for competitors – but many of the visitors just admire the splendid creations.

While the competition is an important element of the flower show, it is also very important for trade stands like Henstead Exotic Garden which use the event as a showcase for its special offerings.

And tomorrow afternoon some of the flowers on show will be sold off to a new home.