The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) cancels shows in 2021, having suffered losses of millions of pounds due to the financial impact of the Coronavirus.
Expecting losses this year of up to £18m, the charity has had to look closely at its finances in order to safeguard its future. This will mean stopping some areas of work that require substantial investment in order to operate.
So, sadly the RHS has made the decision to cancel the Cardiff Flower Show and Chatsworth Flower Show in 2021.
In addition, The London Spring Show in April 2021 will move to RHS Garden Hyde Hall, where it will be enjoyed by more visitors and the RHS hopes to move the London Botanical Art & Photography Show, also in April, to another venue in London.
Whilst the charity is seeing a slow recovery following the Coronavirus, it is unsure what the future holds so is now focusing on reducing its financial liabilities for 2021. The organisation hopes to once again consider additional events to provide new gardening inspiration and experiences for its members, as well as reaching new audiences who have been inspired to garden for the first time during this long period of lockdown.
Sue Biggs, RHS Director General says: “With record online visits to our gardening advice pages and more people using our membership advice service than ever before, the RHS is finding alternative ways to achieve its core charitable remit to help people across the whole of the UK to garden and grow plants.
“However, cancelling Chelsea and Hampton and closing our gardens has had a significant impact on our finances and we must protect the RHS, a charity of national importance, to ensure we can survive and thrive in the future.
“Chatsworth and Cardiff were wonderful shows that have been a key part of our charitable remit to promote gardening,” Sue continues, “but as they attract less visitor numbers than Tatton and Hampton and are a significant cost to put on, it is with great sadness we cannot afford to continue to run them in these times. We need to mitigate our financial liabilities wherever possible, whilst trying our hardest to work in the fairest way with all stakeholders, including our partners at Chatsworth House and Cardiff Council, and we will of course continue to support the industry.
Adding that these are “difficult times for everyone,” Sue also points to future projects within the organisation:
“With RHS Garden Bridgewater and the Centre for Horticultural Science and Learning at Wisley opening next year, lots of exciting plans at our other gardens and wonderful content planned for our continuing 2021 Shows there is so much to look forward to.”