The second Newstead 2 Bonsai Extravaganza promised to be bigger and better than before and we did not disappoint - hundreds of visitors each day from across the UK and beyond visited the very best Bonsai Exhibition seen in the UK.

Newstead 2 Exhibition DVD - now available to buy online >>

Held over the weekend of the 16th and 17th September 2006, over 120 top-class Bonsai were on show in the specially designed exhibition – with the standard, quality and refinement of exhibited trees reaching a new level.

Upon entry, visitors were again greeted by possibly the most impressive exhibition of Bonsai to be seen in the UK – with the emphasis on presenting the trees to the highest level clearly evident, plus specially built tokonamas were created within a small but spectacular Japanese inspired garden located in the main exhibition hall.

Students of the John Hanby Bonsai School all worked tirelessly over the preceding months to help create the stunning exhibition - it is only with this support and commitment can the Newstead show be realised.

Please click on any image within this page for a larger view

Japanese Master Mr Nobutaka Sakuma completed 4 excellent demonstrations over the weekend to packed audiences with the very best rocks and materials imported from Japan especially for the event. Assisted by Danny Use, Mr Sakuma created 4 inspirational plantings combining many different types of Bonsai material to create stunning rock planting compositions.

Mr Sakuma selected the winning Bonsai for the best Shohin, Chuhin, Mid-size and Large-size; with Danny Use selecting 29 of the very 'best of the best' trees for the next Ginkgo international Bonsai award in 2007 in Belgium.

The awards were presented by Mr Sakuma at the Saturday evening celebration, which included a superb buffet prepared by Jackie and her team, plus music and drinks late into the evening.

The Newstead 2006 winners:

• Best Large size tree winner: Ian Stewardson – Mugo Pine
• Best Mid-size tree winner: John Pitt – Larix Decidua & Ulmus procera
• Best Chuhin tree winner: Duncan Hield - Juniper Chinensis Itoigawa
• Best Shohin tree winner: Stuart Norris – Shohin Display
• Derek Aspinall Trophy for the best tree/pot combination: Steve Tolley – White Pine
• The general public’s favourite tree: Simon Temblett - Taxus

The bronze cast awards were again specially designed and commissioned to celebrate the UK's number one Bonsai Exhibition – with the winners delighted to be presented with their awards by such a well respected Japanese Bonsai Master.

Farrand Bloch and Maarten van der Hoeven from Bonsai Europe Magazine attended the show throughout the weekend and worked late into the evening to photograph the majority of trees in the exhibition - a report of the show will appear in a future edition of the magazine.

Newstead 2 Exhibition DVD

An Exhibition DVD of the Newstead 2 Extravaganza is available from the Newstead Bonsai centre, featuring stunning images of all of the exhibition trees, Mr Sakuma’s rock planting demonstrations and completed compositions, views around the exhibition plus much more.

Get your copy now for £10.00 (plus P&P) from the Newstead Bonsai Centre or BUY ONLINE from our secure online shop:

Newstead 2 Exhibition DVD - buy online >>

More images from the 2nd Newstead Exhibition >>

Join us again for Newstead 3 – to be held over the weekend of September 20th & 21st 2008.

We are now inviting entries from across the UK and Europe for the best Bonsai to be displayed at the UK’s premiere exhibition.

More details available now >>

Read the report from the first Newstead Bonsai Extravaganza in 2004 >>

Also see...

• Bonsai Classes & Workshops at the Bonsai School >>
• John Hanby Bonsai School Study Group >>