During the Second World War, on the 10th September 1940, a national campaign was started by the Ministry for Agriculture to encourage people to cultivate their gardens to produce their own food as part of the overall war effort. The main aim was to free up shipping space for essential war supplies but also to give everyone a sense that they were helping the war effort. Every man and women was encouraged to have their own allotment and nationwide flower beds, parks and even sports pitches were put to good use in the production of food.  The campaign was entitled ‘Dig for Victory’. 

 

In 1942 the then Mayor of Denbigh, Col. Goronwy Griffith, called a meeting of local gardeners in the town.  A committee was elected with Col. Griffith as President and the Officials appointed at this inaugural meeting were:  Chairman - Mr Jack Roberts; Secretary - Mr Stephen Davies; Treasurer - Mr Harry Ellis and Production Officer - Mr R A Hughes.  The Denbigh Garden Produce Association was formed. 

The initial Shows were held in the County Hall, Denbigh and the first outdoor Show was held at Lower Park, on Saturday 17th August 1946.  There were two marquees filled with exhibits of flowers, fruit and vegetables etc and the Show was officially opened by the 'Day President' E G E Griffith Esq, Plas Newydd, Trefnant, with admission 2/-; Children 6d.  The famous Edge Hall L M S Prize Band marched through the town and played on the field - it was a fine day and a large crowd attended.  The outside entertainment included Children's and Adult Sports and Gymkhana Events followed by Boxing Contests.  In the evening there was Community Singing and at 9.30 pm , a firework display.

Subsequent Shows were held at Middle Park, Denbigh (field running along the St David's Church footpath and Goblin Farm); Colomendy Fields (now the Colomendy Housing Estate); Tyn-yr-Eithin Farm Fields, Mold Road and Myddleton Park (now Myddleton Park Housing Estate).

 

During the 1950's and early 1960's, Horse Jumping competitions were very popular and two young riders who competed regularly for a number of years at the Show during that period later went on to achieve success in the International Arena and the Olympic Games, namely Wilf White and David Broome.

 

In 1967, the Committee purchased Lon Felin Field on Ystrad Road  which continues as the permanent site to this day

In early 2007, the Committee took the decision to modify the name of the Show to ‘The Denbigh Show’.  Although the Flower Show is still a main feature of the day, the title no longer  reflects how diverse the event has become. It is now the only annual family event held within the boundaries of the town, offering a great variety of family entertainment from pre-school to pensioners and brings together a whole host of local organisations in a celebration of the best of the Town.