The 50th Glee officially opened with a ceremonial cutting of a green ribbon by Derek Bunker and Daivd Domoney. Representatives from all walks of the trade cheered as the ribbon fell and the doors to Hall 9 were opened.

Derek Bunker, of Alton Garden Centre, remembered businesses from decades past which helped shaped the industry we have today. “Many of those companies have now gone but Glee carries on and it's necessary for us. It's the highlight of the year in the trade and an opportunity to meet and talk to the people who make the decisions. I know Glee stand for Garden Leisure Equipment Exhibition but to me it’s a word that means joy and happiness. I think what we are celebrating today is 50 years of happiness.”

TV gardener David Domoney recalled and compared Glee exhibitions through the decades from the 1980s onwards. “It’s key to remember that we are all working together, creating something that brings great pleasure and has a positive impact on physical and mental wellbeing,” he said.

“Celebrating the 50th anniversary of Glee is a momentous landmark for the show,” said event director Matthew Mein. “We have welcomed thousands and thousands of people over the past five decades, so we thank them for all the support. Our visitors are the heartbeat of our industry. It's another year of Glee, but a key one."

Glee runs until Thursday (12th September).