Bahrain International Garden Show (BIGS), the Kingdom's largest and most colourful annual gardening event, is all set to take place next month, said the organisers.

The eighth edition of the gaarden show was scheduled to take place from February 25 to 27, but was postponed due to the protests.

The event will now go ahead from April 8 to 10 at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre (BIECC), BIGS general co-ordinator Shaikha Maram bint Isa Al Khalifa told a press conference at the venue.

Eighty-eight exhibitors had planned to participate in the show, but due to the postponement, three have dropped out, she confirmed.

"Three exhibitors have cancelled their participation, one from South Africa, one from Italy and one from UAE, so now we have 85 exhibitors who are fully committed and this is a sense of pride to have this support from exhibitors," said Shaikha Maram.

BIGS features exhibits, garden displays, lectures, demonstrations and publications all geared to the theme, Inspiring Agricultural Sustainability.

The three-day show is held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad and support of his wife Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa.

Hall One will be turned into a marketplace and showcase a variety of products and services relating to gardening and landscaping and Hall Two converted into gardens to celebrate the talents of new designers.

Shaikha Maram said BIGS had partnered with United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) to help organisers market the show regionally and internationally.

As a result of these efforts UNIDO had booked stands for 22 small and medium businesses, mainly in the agricultural sector from the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

Tamkeen, another supporter of BIGS and local businesses, has offered financial assistance to up to 30 agricultural enterprises who wish to participate in the show.

"Farmers and businesses who wish to participate are invited to contact Tamkeen to confirm their participation for the new dates," said Shaikha Maram.

She said 'Best in Show Awards' will be given to the best stands at the event, with an award for the best stand in hall one and another one for hall two. Competition criteria can be viewed at www.bigs.com.bh.

Shaikha Maram said UNIDO will hold workshops during the show that target all sectors concerned with agriculture, including farmers and companies engaged in the business.

They will discuss methods of cultivating perfumed plants in homes and kinds of seasonal flowers grown in Bahrain among other topics.

The event will also feature the 47th Annual Amateur Flower and Vegetable Competition, organised by the Bahrain Garden Club (BGC).

"Since the competitions are seasonal most of the competitions have already been run, judged and published, but there are still a few parts of the competition that will be judged and take place at the show," said Shaikha Maram.

"The winners will be awarded on the opening day."

Shaikha Maram pointed out that the show contributed to the country's economy and was a vital opportunity for companies to promote their services and facilities.

She said last year 25,000 visitors attended the event from Bahrain, the region and globe and this had boosted the income of malls, restaurants and hotels.

"Many new projects have been initiated since the inception of BIGS in 2004, including a fund to support farmers that was launched last year and there are more and more projects to come that will benefit Bahrain," said Shaikha Maram.

Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka will officially open the event on April 7. The show will be open to the public from April 8 to 10, from 10am to 9pm daily.

Entrance is 500 fils for a three-day pass and entry for children up to the age of 12 is free.

"BIGS is one of the shows that promotes unity among Bahrainis, it always includes everyone, all ages and people from all walks of life," Shaikha Maram added.