New Sandringham flower show 'prices out locals'

The chairman of a flower show held on the King's Norfolk estate says an alternative event being held there next year will be "less local" and price out some exhibitors.

The annual Sandringham Flower Show, attended on Wednesday by King Charles III and Queen Camilla, is to be paused to make way for the six-day Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) touring flower show in 2026 and 2029.

Show chairman Graham Browne said he accepted the change, but was concerned it would be less of a reflection of local gardeners and designers.

Buckingham Palace and the RHS have been contacted for reaction to Mr Browne's comments.

The Sandringham Flower Show, organised by some 15 to 20 local volunteers, attracts about 20,000 visitors annually.

Mr Browne said the RHS show was a commercial contract with the Royal estate and would be very different to his own event.

"They'll be no funfairs, and no arena events. It'll be completely a flower show, with a major marquee; a mini-Chelsea [flower show]," he said.

"I do not foresee any of our garden designers entering into Chelsea - sorry - into next year's Sandringham Flower Show. The cost will be prohibitive."

He said he expected the six-day event to boost the local economy and bring in a new audience, but not families that the local show was aimed at.

Mr Browne said the hiatus could also impact his committee as it "takes out the continuity of 142 years of shows, but that's what it is".

The show was a favourite of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, who attended each year after World War Two.

Last year was the first time in 30 years no member of the Royal Family attended the event.

It traditionally sees local colleges, agricultural businesses and experts taking part, while in the amateurs' marquee, local gardening and horticultural clubs enter a judged display competition.

A month before the show, Royal estate employees, pensioners and tenants have the opportunity to enter their gardens in two judged competitions.

Sandringham Flower Show's profits are donated annually to local charities, and it said it had given more than £825,000 since 1977.

The King became patron of the RHS in 2024.

On its website, RHS director general Clare Matterson said the decision to run the new touring events was to ensure it reached more people "in new locations".

RHS director of shows, commercial and innovation, Helena Pettit, said the changes were the biggest it had made in a generation.

"We want to inspire current and new audiences with world class horticulture and provide access to the UK's best plants people to help even more people garden and grow," she said.

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