Tens of thousands of people descended on Three Counties Showground to celebrate all things horticultural at a record-breaking RHS Malvern Spring Festival.

More than 102,000 people came through the gates over the four days – the highest attendance ever-recorded at the festival, which ended in glorious spring sunshine on Sunday after a wet start on Thursday.

The event, held in association with Great Little Breaks, featured eight stunning show gardens, five innovative green living spaces, 11 school gardens and 70 nurseries and exhibitors in the spectacular floral marquee.

More than 40 exhibitors were awarded top honours at the show, with 42 RHS Gold Medals and five highly-commended awards. The RHS also awarded its first-ever gold medal to a Ukrainian when judges gave the top accolade to Anna Galagan.

The floral marquee had the biggest success with over half the exhibitors taking home a gold medal.

Special guests who attended the event included Monty Don, Jo Whiley, Raymond Blanc, John Torode, Carol Klein, Frances Tophill, Joe Swift and Sarah Raven.

Head of shows Diana Walton said: “We’re absolutely thrilled with how the festival has gone – every year it just keeps on growing.

“To see the enjoyment that everyone has had, from the visitors to the traders, the designers to the children, fills us with joy and excitement.

“I’m incredibly proud of our whole team who have worked tirelessly to make the event the success that it has been and are already sowing the seeds for an amazing 2020.”

The Great Little Breaks Festival Theatre, which this year had a beach theme, drew in the crowds with everything from floral art catwalk shows floristry challenges to question and answer sessions with some of the country’s top horticultural experts.