Realistically, as an Irish person, I know that on occasion Bloom has been caught out by rain. However, the truth is, I don’t remember that. In the 11 years attending, all I remember are sunny skies, ice creams in the heat and listening to children play. Yes, it all sounds a bit idyllic, but that’s the beauty of memories, you remember the best bits. We’ve rounded up the highlights, so you can get the most out of your weekend at Bloom 2017.

Tickets are on sale now on Ticketmaster and can be purchased on the day. Prices vary from €16 to €22.50, children under 16 go free. For more visit www.bloominthepark.ie or follow Bloom on Facebook and Twitter.

Stunning Show Gardens

With 22 creations showcasing incredible detail, you couldn’t possibly visit Bloom without checking out the show gardens. These aren’t just a collection of pretty plants: the gardens communicate important messages. Organisations such as Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital Crumlin; Enable Ireland; Trocaire; Pieta House and Oxfam/GOAL have worked with Bloom designers to create show gardens to highlight children’s health, disability, mental health and the need for a more tolerant and peaceful world in a really unique way. Kids will also love the fact that there is a Despicable Me 3 garden by Universal Studios.

Funky Flowers

While the show gardens are fun to see and serve as inspiration for our all outdoor designs, the gardeners among us also want to purchase those funky flowers. The Floral and Nursery Pavilion, which will be brimming with flowers and plants from more than 30 of the very best plant nurseries in Ireland, really offers an opportunity to find something unusual. And if you need some direction on what will work well in your outdoor space, don’t miss the Garden Expert Stage for gardening advice. Meanwhile, the AOIFA Floral Art Stage has lots of advice on the techniques and artistry required to achieve a perfect floral display.

Tasty Treats

After all that you’ll have worked up quite an appetite, and you won’t have to go far to find something tasty. It is a Bord Bia event after all. When resting the weary bones, chill out at the Country Crest restaurant, which is a pop-up version of the Farm Shop located in Donabate. Hot meals, healthy salads, gourmet sandwiches, desserts and pastries, made with the very best of Irish ingredients.

Also drop into the Farm Shop for a showcase of the finest local produce, filled with a selection of quirky, artisan products. For a little taste of everything, you’ll find us quite literally sampling our way around the food village, which will host over 100 Irish food producers. And if you want advice on cooking up these ingredients, check out the Bord Bia Quality Kitchen Stage, which will feature more than 25 live cookery demonstrations from Ireland’s best-loved chefs, including Neven Maguire, Catherine Fulvio, Rory O’Connell and Roz Purcell. Supporting Irish isn’t just a foodie affair.

The Bloom Inn will also feature some of Ireland’s best craft brewers and distillers. And if you want to join the discussion, the GIY Zone will include the Food Matters Stage, with daily workshops and debates with Ireland’s leading food writers, chefs, nutritionists and journalists.

Family fun

Kids go free to Bloom and once they are in, there is plenty to keep them entertained. Budding Bloomers, the children’s area, is always a hive of activity with squeals of delights as young people play and learn. The O’Egg Fun on the Farm events will also offer hands-on farming activities and demonstrations for children and their families. For those with green fingers, the Keelings “Love to Grow” learning zone will allow children to plant their own strawberries.

Fashion Forward

Get catwalk ready, as the style will be out in force at Bloom. The Debenhams catwalk will showcase fashion trends and looks for summer 2017. And if you are looking for something a little different, the Irish Craft Village, supported by the Design & Craft Council of Ireland, will present a selection of work from some of Ireland’s most creative designers and makers. If you plan on wearing your new creation, it might just pay off, as Solus Brightest at Bloom returns for 2017 and once again they will be searching for the best-dressed visitor to the event. CL