The Flower Show maintained its high standards. Even allowing for some 103 competition classes, the variety of exhibits was very impressive, and the time and effort taken by exhibitors was evident in each entry. The Craft Tent had a full and varied complement of craftspeople, with some demonstrating their skills during the Show.

The Arena took a step back in time, with medieval battle re-enactments from the L'Estrange Companye as well as a display of Vintage motorcycles and a Traction Engine presentation. With two enthusiastic performances from the Eastleigh Senators Junior Band, another stunning aerobatic display from Paul Ambrose and Littleton playing Littleton (!) in junior football, the arena was as entertaining as ever.

New attractions for 2005 included cookery demonstrations by the chef of the Running Horse and Conservation talks from the staff of Marwell Zoo, both of which had standing room only. Old favourites such as the Balloon Race, Electric Wire, Bouncy Castle were all kept busy, and the addition of the Basingstoke Silver band added a fine musical backdrop at the top of the field where there were long queues for hot food and the Pavillion Bar.

The Pavillion Bar and food were not the only queues. The Running Horse beer tent was also busy right up to the end of the Show, and the Ice Cream van had only a few choc-ices left by the end of the day.

Presentation of Flower Show cups ended the Show, with Show Committee Chairman Mike Lupton presenting the trophies to the grateful recipients.

For more photographs of this year's show see the 2005 Photo Gallery.