'Everything to us' - Organisers hail the success of the 163rd Monkton Leek, Vegetable and Flower Show
An iconic South Tyneside leek show has returned for 2026.
Dating back to the Victorian era, the show is one of the last remaining agricultural club shows in the North East and one of the country’s biggest in terms of side stands for entries.
The 2026 iteration, of the show, which ran from Saturday, September 5, to Monday, September 7, saw more than 70 side stands held in the marquee of The Lord Nelson, on Monkton Lane, in Jarrow.
‘It means everything to us’
Faisal Ali, one of the show’s organisers, has spoken of the “privilege” at being able to host the historic show and revealed that the turnout was “great” across the entire weekend.
He said: “It has gone very well despite the weather having a bit of an impact on the leeks so we have seen likes like Stemphylium, red spider and thrip but it still been a good turnout.
“It’s a privilege to be able to continue hosting this here in Monkton - we’ve seen people in their 70s and 80s entering but we also have some younger people getting involved and that’s what we need.
“It means everything to us because it gives our members from across Tyneside the chance to show their produce.
“As with any other show, we’re best of friends at our allotments who turn into dreaded enemies until the judging and then we’re back to being friends again.
“It’s been brilliant to look around and see all the different produce and flowers - the public have been in awe when they’ve walked around the show.
“Everyone has loved it and there is still people coming along who have never been to the show.
“Those who are new to it are always surprised at the amount of work and time people put into this, but also the size and quality of the produce.”
Looking for new members
Faisal also stated that the show is always on the search for new members and urged those who are interested to get in touch.
He added: “We’re a members club but there is an open section at the show.
“We’re always looking for new members to join so if anyone is interested, then they just need to reach out to us.”
You can contact the club online at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/342568099487732/.