Watch the solar eclipse from Shropshire's stunning petal fields

People are being offered a unique and idyllic way to watch tomorrow’s rare partial solar eclipse.

The cosmic event is set to take place on Wednesday, August 12, and will offer people the potential of seeing the UK’s fullest solar eclipse for the next 54 years.

In a timely coincidence one of the county’s spectacular time-limited events coincides with the partial eclipse, and organisers will be hosting observers for the occasion.

Shropshire Petal Fields in Newport is currently open to the public, showcasing its stunning fields of flowers.

Organised by Shropshire Festivals in conjunction with Shropshire Petal Fields the event is joining in the cosmic gathering by holding an evening opening.

Tomorrow’s eclipse is expected to begin at approximately 6.14pm in Newport, reach maximum coverage at 7.11pm, and end at 8.05pm.

During the partial solar eclipse, around 90 to 96 per cent of the sun will be covered by the moon.

It will be the fullest eclipse seen from the UK and Ireland since 1999.

On August 12, in addition to the morning and afternoon sessions, people can now book onto an evening slot from 5pm to 8pm to enjoy the eclipse.

People who have tickets booked earlier in the day can move their tickets to the evening session.

Dogs are also permitted to attend on August 12.

Shropshire Petal Fields opened for 2026 on August 7, and welcomed more than 3,000 visitors on the first three days.

The remaining 2026 open dates are August 12, 14, 15 and 16.

There will be another sunset opening on August 14, with the evening sessions running from 5.30pm to 9.30pm, and dogs are welcome on August 12, 15, and 16.

“Enjoy a special moment in the skies from our field of delphiniums, sunflowers, and wildflowers,” said Beth Heath, Director of Shropshire Festivals. “Having a gentle stroll in the beautiful layers of colour transports you from everyday stresses, helping you connect with nature. Don’t forget your solar viewing glasses; we’ll have a limited supply available for purchase at the event too.

“Despite the challenging growing season, which has left our blooms shorter than previous years, the event has been a success so far. We’ve welcomed thousands of visitors, had thousands of photos taken in the field, and even celebrated an engagement here.”

More than three million seeds were planted for the event.

Ticket prices for Wednesday evening are £10.95 for adults, £7.95 for child tickets (age three to 16), £3.95 for under threes, babes in arms are free, family tickets (two adults and two children) are £34.95, and dogs are a pound.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.shropshirepetalfields.co.uk.