ORGANISERS of the Ayr Flower Show say they are well prepared for the predicted mixed weather over the weekend.
More than 22,000 visitors are expected over the three days of the show which starts today.
During the past two weeks a mini canvas village has been erected at the Rozelle Estate in Alloway to ensure the thousands of visitors won't need to be worry about the weather.
Rain is forecast for all three days, although some bright spells are expected on Saturday.
With almost 100,000sq ft of marquees covering 80% of the show area all of the major attractions are under canvas, including the main floral and vegetable competition classes and exhibition, the floral art exhibition and craft fair, while much of the food colonnade and Home & Garden areas are also covered.
The Junior Marquee, where most children's exhibits and hands-on attractions can be found, is completely sheltered as is the Demonstration Marquee where visitors can enjoy the Gardners' Questions sessions, or be entertained by the celebrity chefs from Kilmarnock-based The Cook School Scotland.
Flower Show Chairman, John Walker said: "Hopefully, none of our contingency plans will be required and the sun will shine."
On display will be magnificent blooms by gold medallists from across the UK and beyond as well as those provided by many local gardeners.
One of the most exciting attractions involves a team of chefs from the Kilmarnock-based Cook School Scotland who will demonstrate their skills each day from 11.30am in separate sessions.
The Cook School's Kids' Kitchen has hands-on experience in making Cup Cakes throughout the Show with tasty treats galore. Advance booking at the Junior Marquee is a must.
Saturday's headline appearances by the internationally-known Mugen Taiko Dojo Performance Team of synchronised Japanese drumming will grab the attention and Lorna Gourley co-ordinator of the entertainments and activities programme said this act would be "the perfect spectacle".
The show is open from 10am to 5pm today until Sunday.