RHS manager says new flower show is 'affordable'

The new five-day RHS Sandringham Flower Show event will remain "affordable", the show's manager said as plans were released.

Run by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), this year's programme will replace the previous one-day event and welcome exhibitors, charities and visitors in July.

Concerns about the price of tickets were previously raised. The annual show cost £19 in 2025, with the 2026 event ranging up to £42 for a day ticket.

Manager Jenny Laville said tickets for the event were affordable for families of four, with under-16s going free, as well as discounts being available for students and RHS members, and all events were included in the price.

RHS said people would be able to view a range of show gardens celebrating Norfolk's landscapes and visit the floral marquee, which will welcome about 50 expert growers and nurseries.

A fruit and vegetable competition will also be held, alongside floristry displays and a host of talks and demonstrations.

The royal family will play a key role in the event, with King Charles III set to select his favourite exhibit showcasing biodiversity, and Queen Camilla will choose her favourite Upcycled Container garden.

Laville said: "This year's [event], I think it's going to be probably the best year for those community cubes, and we've had so much interest in engagement.

"We can't do the show without the involvement of local communities."

One trader previously told the BBC she would not be going because the cost of hiring her pitch would be nearly £4,708 for five days, compared to £350 for one day last time- charges the RHS said were competitive.

Laville said the RHS was "very aware" of the costs for exhibitors and advised people to contact them about prices.

She said: "Some of those costs for the increased infrastructure that you need for that size of show does have to be reflected in the cost."

She also said traffic management measures will be put in place for the event, including traffic lights and temporary 20mph limits.

"We really want everyone to enjoy the show, and we will work hard and do our best to try and minimise any impact."

The King became patron of the RHS in 2024 and is collaborating on the Royal Legacy Garden, designed by Catherine MacDonald of Landform Consultants Ltd, for the event.

It is set to include the King's favourite plants and will utilise local Norfolk materials and rural skills.

MacDonald said it was an "honour" to work with the King on the design and said it was still "in the early stages".

RHS said after the show, the garden would have a legacy at the estate from March to October.

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