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Visitors to this year’s Garden Show Ireland are being encouraged to show off their creative skills in a head-turning way – by designing a hat or headpiece.

For the first time ever, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council has launched a Mad Hatters Day as part of this year’s three-day show from June 16-18,

Visitors are being encouraged to make their own horticultural hats or headpieces and decorate them with flowers, vegetables or foliage.

Alternatively, participants can bring a hat and get help to decorate it from either Flower Farmers or representatives from College of Agriculture Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) Greenmount College.

Getting ready for the first ever Mad Hatters Day at Garden Show Ireland 2023 are Theo Neal, Anna Hasslet and Soley Laverty. Picture: Press Eye.

Green-fingered creatives are being asked to come up with an original item of headwear using Garden Show Ireland as inspiration for their designs and entrants are invited to be as adventurous as possible with their marvelous creations.

A judging panel, compered by UTV’s Pamela Ballentine, will comprise Marie Staunton (model-turned- horticulturist), Marie-Claire Ferguson (horticulturist turned-milliner) and world-famous garden designer Diarmuid Gavin. Judges will be looking for imagination and interesting entries that look like a bit of fun.

Gavin, Garden Show Ireland ambassador, said they were looking forward to picking a winner.

"We can’t wait to see the hat and headpiece wonders on the first day of the show,” he said. “It’s all about having fun and showing us something new and imaginative.”

Anna Hasslet and Soley Laverty get ready for Mad Hatters Day at Garden Show Ireland. Picture: Press Eye.

Antrim and Newtownabbey Mayor Stephen Ross said it was great to be hosting Garden Show Ireland at Antrim Castle Gardens again this year.

"We always strive to bring visitors something extra and 2023 is no different,” said Mr Ross. “We’re looking forward to our first ever Mad Hatters Day on June 16 and we’re also extremely excited to see the creative competition entries from visitors.

"What better way to celebrate the wonder of nature than with a horticultural hat or headpiece.”

The worthy winner can, of course, expect a wealth of wares in recognition of their creativity.

Food NI has offered a hamper of artisan foods worth approximately £300 to the judge’s favourite. Garden Show Ireland will take place from June 16-18, offering families flowers, food and fun.

The three-day extravaganza is being held at Antrim Castle Gardens and offers visitors ideas and inspiration for their own gardens.

First Mad Hatters Day announced for Garden Show Ireland in Antrim