Harrogate Spring Flower show to be delayed by a month

Youths causing anti-social behaviour 'mayhem' in Ripon prompts police boss meeting

The Spring Essentials show will now take place between May 20-23.

The special Covid-safe outdoor flower show was due to run on its traditional dates in late April at the Great Yorkshire Showground. It has now moved to May to allow more time for the roll out of coronavirus vaccines and for measures to combat the pandemic to take effect.

Harrogate Flower Shows Director Nick Smith said: “We have been planning a Covid-safe event using the green open spaces at the showground for many months. Based on the information available and predictions made last autumn, we had hoped that measures to combat the virus would be in place in time for us to hold Spring Essentials on our usual weekend in April.

“The new variant has clearly changed the situation across the UK and so it seems sensible to take advantage of the extra time for the measures to take effect.”

Featuring favourites like show gardens, plant nurseries and live theatres, Spring Essentials is a specially adapted, outdoor event making greater use of the many acres of parkland available at the Great Yorkshire Showground.

In addition to large-scale gardens, Square Yard pocket plots and plant displays, the event will also include expert talks and demonstrations, home and gift wares, specialist foods and up to 100 garden shopping outlets.

Nick Smith added: “The North of England Horticultural Society has been promoting horticulture for more than 100 years. We have all learned the great benefits of enjoying our gardens and outdoor spaces during the course of this crisis, and it is more important than ever for us to do everything we possibly can to give our visitors the opportunity to be inspired and informed ready for the new growing season.

“We have worked closely with both the showground team and the local authorities to create an event that will offer a safe, enjoyable day out. The extra time afforded by this change of date will give us the best possible chance of delivering the show our visitors and exhibitors have told us they so badly want to see happen.”

Police increase patrols after motorists fail to stop at Harrogate level crossing

Due to social distancing requirements, the number of visitors will be limited each day and tickets must be purchased in advance. E-tickets with timed admission slots can be purchased online and will be on sale at www.flowershow.org.uk priced £15.