A SHOCK announcement that the RHS Tatton Flower Show will no longer be held annually has been hailed ‘a sad blow’ for Cheshire.

This year’s show in July will mark the 25th anniversary of the event which attracts around 80,0000 visitors each year.

The RHS has now decided to tour to new locations, such as Rotherham and Norfolk, and will only return to Cheshire every three years.

Knutsford Guardian: More than 80,000 visitors attended the event every yearMore than 80,000 visitors attended the event every year (Image: Newsquest)

Knutsford mayor Cllr Peter Coan said: “It is a really sad loss for Tatton and the town.

“It’s going to be a big blow to local shops.

Knutsford Guardian: Nurseries showcased their award-winning flowersNurseries showcased their award-winning flowers (Image: Newsquest)

“I do feel disappointed because the whole town came together.

“All our shopkeepers put trees and flowers outside the make the town look so pretty.

“It was uplifting for the town. I don’t know if we can fill that void.”

Knutsford Guardian: Snappers capture the award-winning displaysSnappers capture the award-winning displays (Image: Newsquest)

The event provides a showcase for many local nurseries, crafts specialists and businesses.

Local schools, clubs and community groups take part in inspirational projects.

Cheshire growers are proud to display their award-winning flowers and produce.

Knutsford Guardian: Joy and laughter filled Tatton ParkJoy and laughter filled Tatton Park (Image: Newsquest)

Helena Pettit, RHS director of shows, commercial and innovation, said: “The primary reason we have decided to make changes to the RHS Shows lineup is to reach out to more people and share the joy and benefits of gardening with as many as possible.

“As a charity we have a responsibility to innovate, inspire and reach out to all areas across the country.

Knutsford Guardian: Growers took great pride competing for coveted awardsGrowers took great pride competing for coveted awards (Image: Newsquest)

“We very much value the partnerships we have created at Tatton Park and have been working with our partners over the last few years to ensure that we can continue to deliver our existing amazing RHS Shows, whilst innovating in new sites.

“We’re confident that these changes will enable us to work with more communities, schools, designers and nurseries and offer opportunities for a much wider range of people to become involved with our shows.

Knutsford Guardian: Visitors travelled from miles around to visit the showVisitors travelled from miles around to visit the show (Image: Newsquest)

“RHS Tatton is a much-loved show in the North West which this year is celebrating it’s 25th year and we are very much looking forward to it returning to Tatton Park in 2027 and welcoming back both old and new visitors.”

Cllr Coan said: “This is the biggest event of the year at Tatton and the revenue is much needed.

“It is a well-oiled machine.

“We’ve got the infrastructure on the showground.

“Within the town, we’ve got restaurants, bars and hotel accommodation.

“Tatton Park is such a big place, it can absorb the show and still remain open as a park.

“This event attracts visitors from 100 miles around or even further because it is so easy to get to.

“It is the perfect location."

The RHS plans to hold a show at Wentworth Woodhouse stately home in Rotherham, South Yorkshire in 2025 and Norfolk's Sandringham Estate, on of King Charles' royal residences, in 2026.