The popular Cheshire County Show will now be known as Royal Cheshire County Show

The Cheshire Show, a popular event in the county’s social calendar for over 175 years has now been awarded ‘Royal’ status.

A detailed submission to obtain the royal title was made to the Cabinet Office by its chairman Tony Garnett DL ARAgS on behalf of the Cheshire Agricultural Show Society and was recently approved.

“I am proud and honoured that we go into 2016, and beyond, as the Royal Cheshire County Show,” said Mr Garnett.

“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.”

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.

“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,” Mr Garnett said.

During its proud history, the Show 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).

The show takes place on Tabley Showground and attracts over 80,000 visitors over the two day annual event every year, with equestrian events, farming competitons and local producer food tents.

www.royalcheshireshow.org