Taunton Flower Show could stay in Vivary Park next year

Organisers are looking to stage the popular two-day event at its home for the past 166 years in August 2018 despite fears they may have to find a new venue long-term.

There are worries the 'Chelsea of the West', the UK's longest-running flower show, could have to move out after landowners Taunton Deane Borough Council announced it would charge a five-figure fee to use the park.

Several landowners have come forward with offers to host the show and organisers have already visited potential sites.

Chairman Adrian Prior-Sankey said: "We're hoping to go back to the council with a fresh proposal.

"Meetings are going on with contractors, looking at all the options to reduce the time we take up the park to minimise the charges being imposed.

"At the same time, we've made very preliminary visits to a number of potential alternative sites.

"But we're trying to engage with the council afresh to say, 'We've done the best we can. Is there any give on your part?'

"But we have to look at the real prospect of moving the show, probably in 2019.

"My guess is that no later than June 3, we'll announce where the 2018 show will be - that's likely to be another year in Vivary."

A council spokesman said: “The council has always remained open to further discussion with the Taunton Flower Show organisers and looks forward to hearing their proposals to enable the show to remain at Vivary Park within the terms of the adopted council policy.”

Meanwhile, this year's show is being launched at Monkton Elm Garden Centre on Saturday, June 3, with competitions for adults and children and membership packages for sale.

The show includes food and craft areas, including rural crafting demonstrations, a children’s village, gardeners’ question time, wine tasting, honey-making, a brass band, choir and live music.

Arena acts include Bob Hogg with his lamb nationals and dog and duck Show and the Xtreme Stunt Team featuring motorbike and bicycle riders.