Bonsai Fest 2026, show report by Tim……..

Best deciduous tree award

Bigger and better was the billing for this year‘s Bonsai fest at Newark. With the promise of a bigger hall and even more traders, the 6:30am start from Swindon felt a little less painful. It was nice to be chauffeured again this year by Neve, on the second half of the three hour plus drive and there was plenty of time to talk repotting and discussing what was to be purchased given the chance at the show.

We arrived after the queue had died down and there were already lots of people coming out of the show with their purchases and the FOMO kicked in a little. [Fear Of Missing Out]

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Ancient tree bonsai landscape

One of the displays that was really captivating at our winter image show was a display of ancient trees within a landscape setting. It has been in the making for over 6 years by the owner who hand crafted the fences and working gate as well as developed and styled the trees. This was for anyone who loves ancient and veteran trees in nature albeit in miniature in a bonsai form. It showcases some of the traditional tree management techniques of pollarding and coppicing which have shaped the way some of our old trees look today. For more information on ancient and veteran trees visit the ancient tree forum.

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Visiting clubs @our winter show

This year we had nine visiting bonsai clubs and societies including Ashfield, Bristol, Eastleigh, Glynderi, Newbury, Splinter Group, Surrey Heath, Twickenham and Warminster. They each put on fabulous displays of their club members trees for the enjoyment of everyone and thank you for your continued support at our show.

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Mini trees @our show 2026

This year we were fortunate enough to have the pleasure of John Armitage on behalf of the British Shohin Cooperative providing a talk and demomstration on Shohin and styling a shohin Juniper. It was a resounding success with standing room only in the room while John talked and worked his magic on styling the juniper. John later donated the tree to our raffle. Everyone enjoyed seeing the mini bonsai displays which looked incredible. Thank you to Mark Moreland of UKBA and Gary Careford from the British Shohin Cooperative for putting on this display at our show.

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Traders @our Winter Show 2026

This year was again a fantastic year for our Swindon Winter Image show and we had a great number of visitors who all got to enjoy not only the bonsai displays but also the shopping opportunities from our traders. Traders included Gordon Duffett, Graham of Dragonfly bonsai pots, Tony Remmington, Simon of Suteki, Wallsall Studio Ceramics, John Trott of Mendip Bonsai, Windybank Bonsai, China Mist, Greenwood Bonsai Studios, Chris Thomas, Dan Butler, LV Bonsai, Zacs bonsai, Dan Baron Esoteric pots. A great day was had by all, thank you for your continued support for our show.

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All the trees at the 2026 ‘Winter Image’ show….

Here are all the trees used in the show as well as some photos’ from the British Shohin Bonsai Co-operative and the UK Bonsai Group exhibition, talk and demo held in the fitness room at the centre on Sunday the 15th February 2026. Thanks to Andy and Mandy for the pictures. [click to enlarge the photo]……..

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