Country's oldest flower show struggling to survive

A 195-year-old flower show could vanish due to increased costs since Covid and the cost of living crisis, the organisers said.

Taunton Flower Show, the longest running flower show in the country, started at the assembly rooms in 1831 and currently takes place in Vivary Park in August.

However, organisers say it is looking like this year's show could be the last, unless they can balance the books.

Beccy Fox, the show's manager, said: "Pre-Covid it was in a good position but post-Covid we've found ourselves with a number of shows that didn't quite break even."

"If we can't break even this year, the future after that is not looking great," Fox added.

She said the event is able to run this year thanks to support from additional sponsors and Somerset Council.

"Everyone wants a great day out but everyone is struggling at the moment. We're trying to keep tickets at the current prices," Fox said.

Francine Lee from Bumblees Preserves based in Creech St Michael has been attending the show for 10 years as an exhibitor.

"The atmosphere there is great, the people there have such passion for what they do. It's heartbreaking this could be the last year," Lee said.

"It would be a loss of income. It would be such a sad thing to lose, once these things go they won't come back.

"The rising costs for any business are huge at the moment, it's about juggling all those costs."

Federica Smith-Roberts, the Liberal Democrat lead member for culture on Somerset Council, said: "We supported them with some of the charges last year.

"It's just looking at different ways to support the flower show as they move forward to that 200th anniversary in a couple of year's time."

Taunton Flower Show takes place on 7 and 8 August this year.

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