The World Tulip Summit and TulipMania head for Spalding

TulipMania
It is not every day a picturesque market town finds itself basking in the glare of the
international media spotlight – but this unique opportunity is coming to the market
town of Spalding in Lincolnshire, with the 50th anniversary of Spalding’s enchanting
Tulip Parade and the town hosting the prestigious World Tulip Summit.

Spalding has been known as a market garden area since the 1880s and at its peak in
the late 1930s, the Spalding bulb industry was spread over 10,000 acres and produced
more than 3,000 tons of flowers. 375,000 boxes with 12 to18 bunches in each box
were transported from Spalding railway station each year. Two to three thousand
workers were employed to plant, lift and grade the tulip bulbs by hand. The pay per
bucket was between 3 and 6 old pence. The bulb industry has played an important
part in the local economy.

From mid April to mid May (dependant on the weather) Spalding, South Holland and
the wider Fens will come alive with colour, and become a hotbed of activities
celebrating the beautiful tulip and all it has done for the region.

More information on what's on and where >>

2008 World Tulip Summit
Thursday 1st May – Friday 2nd May
South Holland Centre, Spalding

One of the most important events on the 2008 calendar of flower lovers across the
globe is coming to the UK. Having previously been held in Ottawa and Canberra the
World Tulip Summit is coming to Spalding in 2008.

The programme will include talks on the latest tulip research and technical
developments, tulip art and photography, tulips in famous garden settings and other
fascinating facts about the discovery of tulips.

The Summit is open to horticulturists, gardeners and flower designers and anyone else
who loves this fabulous flower. Delegates will be travelling from across the world to
represent their countries at the Summit.
Confirmed speakers include representatives from the RHS, Kew Gardens, and
respected publications.
www.tulip2008.com
email: info@tulip2008.com
tel: + 44 (0)1775 724843
fax: + 44 (0)1775 711209

50th Spalding Tulip Parade
The Spalding Tulip Parade is now in its 50th year. The inspiration for the first parade was a
desire to see the waste tulip heads from the bulb fields put to good use, these days it has
turned into an annual celebration of the flower industry in South Holland. Over the two days
before the Parade more than half a million tulip heads will be
individually pinned to the spectacular floats representing local
businesses and organisations. Joining the floats in the Parade
are carnival performers, dancers, marching bands and much,
much more.

The Tulip Parade is on Saturday 3rd May at 2pm with floats
decorated on the theme ‘Thanks for the Memories'.
Expect surprises and great entertainment.
Starting at the Springfields Festival Sit e, the floats travel the 3.5
mile route in a clock wise direction around the town, arriving at
the Sir Halley Stewart Field in Spalding at approximately 4pm
where it will be welcomed by the thousands of spectators
enjoying the entertainment there. There will be Markets and
Fun Fair also in the town centre.

Tulip Trails around South Holland - SPRING 2008
SPALDING • CROWL AND • DONINGT ON • LONG SUTTON • HOLBEACH
For your free Trail Leaflet T el: 01775 725468