Enter your Dahlias and Cakes Today for our Village Show.
Dahlia and Village Show - Sunday 14 September | 1–4.30pm
Histon Manor Grounds
The Histon Manor Dahlia & Village Show is back for its third year — and we really need your to support make it happen. This fun afternoon, celebrating local creativity, flowers, and community spirit simply wouldn’t be possible without your entries. Whether you’re a keen grower, a weekend baker, or just fancy having a go, we’d love to see what you can bring to the event. Even if you only have one slightly wilting dahlia or a homemade cake that didn’t rise quite right, please still enter — it really is all about taking part. The show opens to the public from 1.00pm to 4.30pm, with stalls, refreshments, a raffle, and plenty to enjoy. To download the entry form click here.
Cake Categories
Bakes are judged on flavour, texture, and appearance – but don’t worry, it’s all light-hearted and fun.
Victoria Sponge
A traditional two-layer sponge with jam (and optionally cream or buttercream) – Keep it simple with no decoration except icing sugar or sugar.Chocolate Sponge
Freestyle – decorate and flavour however you like.Cupcakes
A matching set of six. Any flavour, any decoration – let your creativity shine.
Cake boxes can be collected after the show (or left and picked up later), and boxes will be well looked after. Please do name your tin or box. Cake entries are automatically donated to our Tea & Cake stall, which raises vital funds for the charity. If you would prefer to keep your cake for a family event or other occasion, that’s no problem – just let us know when you drop it off. To download the entry form click here.
Dahlia Categories
Whether you’re a first-time grower or a flower fanatic, your entries help make the show bloom.
Single Stem
One single dahlia bloom.
Judging tips:
Choose a flower in peak condition – full, fresh, and vibrant.
It’s all about the bloom – the vase or container won’t affect judging.
Avoid any browning, damaged petals or drooping heads.
Three Matching Stems
Three dahlias of the same variety.
Judging tips:
Judges look for uniformity – flowers should match in size, shape, and colour.
Consistency and flower quality are key.
Floral Arrangement (including at least four dahlias but can incorporate other flowers too)
A creative display where overall impact matters more than individual flower quality.
Judging tips:
Focus on colour, balance, and structure.
You can use other flowers or foliage, but dahlias should be the main feature.
It’s about the arrangement as a whole, not perfection.
Dahlias can be collected after the show if you’d like to take them home. To download the entry form click here.
Entry Drop-Off Time
Please bring your entries to the show site between 9.00am and 10.30am on the morning of Sunday 15 September. Judging starts shortly afterwards. We will email more details closer to the event.
Useful Links
If you are super keen here are some links for picking the best blooms for a show. I know most of you might just have just one choice of a bloom so just pop it in a jam jar and bring it along.
https://shuncy.com/article/how-to-prepare-dahlias-for-show
https://www.marthastewart.com/ryan-mccallister-dahlia-growing-tips-8702016
https://www.theenglishgarden.co.uk/plants/flowers/top-tips-for-growing-dahlias/
Prizes and Judging
All entries are anonymous when on display – only winning names will be revealed.
First place in each of the above six categories will receive a trophy.
Second and third places will receive certificates. The best under 12s entry will also win a prize no matter what category is entered.
And remember, it’s all just a bit of fun.
How to Enter
Please don’t wait until the last minute to enter – it unfortunately adds a lot of extra pressure our end not knowing whether we have enough entries to run the show, so please do take the plunge now.
All you need to do is click here and download and complete this entry form, then either:
Email it to: histonvillageshow@gmail.com
Or drop it in the post box by the green gates at Bell Hill
The sooner we know you’re entering, the sooner we can sleep easy knowing the show will be fab.
Whether you’re in it to win it or just want to take part in something community focussed – we thank you in advance for all your support.
Thank you to our sponsors
