The Cheshire County Show has been granted royal status.
Chairman of the Cheshire Agricultural Show Society Tony Garnett DL ARAgS has announced that the show, at Tabley near Knutsford, is to be known as the Royal Cheshire County Show.
Tony said: “I am proud and honoured that we go into 2016, and beyond, as the Royal Cheshire County Show.
“It truly is an honour to have been granted this title. There are hundreds of wonderful agricultural shows held across the UK every year yet only a select few have this title bestowed on them.
“It is testament to the work of directors, show office staff and volunteers without whom, quite honestly, the Cheshire Show would not continue.
“They should feel incredibly proud today. I want to publicly express my sincere gratitude for the hard work and loyalty they demonstrate, year after year.
“To our valued sponsors, business traders and, of course, the public who complement one another so well and without whom the Cheshire Show would have little purpose – thank you.”
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The submission was successful as it met the essential criteria. This included demonstrating the show’s sound financial position, longevity and sustainability, the value it places on ensuring an agricultural focus and interlinked contribution of directors, show staff and volunteers to make the event a success.
Tony added: “This recognition cements the Royal Cheshire County Show’s future as a much-loved community event whose roots are embedded in the farming and agricultural community.”
The show, held in Cheshire for more than 175 years, has hosted the following members of the Royal family: Prince Charles (1998), The Princess Royal (1999), Sophie, the Countess of Wessex (2012 as a visitor), The Princess Royal (2013 as show president) and Sophie, the Countess of Wessex (2015 as show president).
Each year, close to 400 volunteers dedicate their time to make the Royal Cheshire County Show the success it is.
They fulfil wide-ranging duties from pegging the showground for use by traders to directing traffic, ticket sales, stewards and marquee attendants.
The two-day event attracts in excess of 80,000 visitors, traders and competitors from across Britain whose participation is key to the atmosphere and spirit of the prestigious agricultural Show.
