Small businesses feel they are being priced out of the Sandringham Flower Show amid plans for the UK’s leading gardening charity to take over the event.
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) is set to run the popular show every three years from 2026 instead of the usual committee.
It will become part of the RHS’s tour, which in the past has included famous events in Chelsea – but the change has not been welcomed by all.
Jessica Levett, owner of Floral Lifestyle, attends Sandringham every year. Picture: Jessica Levett
It is rumoured that the new event will become five days long, and could see popular attractions such as the fun fair axed – as well as prices for stall plots hiked up.
Lynn-based Jessica Levett, who runs Floral Lifestyle, a handmade home decoration business, said that under the new plans, her space at Sandringham which would usually cost her £350 will now require her to fork out £5,505.
“There would be an increase naturally because it is five days rather than one. However, we’re not asking for five days – that’s a lot of outlay for a small business,” she said.
Thousands flock to the estate to enjoy the popular event. Pictures: Ian Burt
“I have got to pay myself for being on the stand. Everything I make is handmade by me.
“Small businesses are the backbone of the UK economy, and this completely prices us out.
“We’re devastated because we’re left to wonder, has greed taken over? Do they not want us anymore?”
Others have raised concerns over the lack of communication between RHS, the committee and stall owners.
This year, King Charles and Queen Camilla made an appearance
Many say they only found out about next year’s change during this year’s event on Wednesday last week, which saw King Charles and Queen Camilla attend.
This will no doubt raise more questions over the Royal Estate’s money-making plans, with controversial car parking charges introduced in 2020.
To enable them to plan for the swap, the businesses were told by an on-site RHS representative to model the price increase on the Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival fees, which calls for as much as £262 per square metre.
“I am really cross about it,” Jessica added.
Many come from all over to see the show
“We worked so hard to build our brand and make the show what it is, and they have just given us this cut-throat goodbye.”
Worries are also beginning to rise about how it will affect the 2027 and 2028 shows, which will be back in the hands of the usual committee.
A spokesperson from jewellery business Me and You and Daisy Too, who asked not to be named, said: “Everybody knows what to expect from Sandringham because it’s been running for so many years.
The royals attract many to the event each year
“But there were a lot of very disappointed people last year who would normally come every year who weren’t there last week because there were no members of the royal family in 2024.
“So I think a change like this will put people off.
“I also think, looking at the RHS prices, it will be a lot higher than it is now, and I wonder whether people will have the sort of money to come out to an event like that.”
Both businesses have agreed that they could not fault the Sandringham show committee, saying they are “brilliant”, “organised” and “doing the best they can”.
Food, craft stalls and flowers are on display at Sandringham each year
However, it seems even the committee was not properly informed of the takeover.
Chairperson Graham Browne told the Lynn News: “This is just a commercial thing with the RHS and the estate, and I don’t know how it will work.
“We tried to negotiate and have something to do with them, but everything will be run by them.”
He confirmed that the committee did not know – and still does not know much – about what is going on.
In a joint statement, Sandringham Estate and RHS said: “The RHS Sandringham Flower Show will run every three years from 2026, with the existing Sandringham Flower Show continuing to be run by Sandringham Estate Cottage Horticultural Society in the intervening years, keeping many of the traditions it has built over its 142 years.
“RHS Sandringham will include some of the much-loved content and features of the existing Sandringham Flower Show to create a new RHS show that complements that of the traditional show.
“In guidance, the visitors and exhibitors will remain at the core of the shows, and the RHS plans to involve the local community, with opportunities for local businesses and groups to take part in the new flower show.
“The RHS flower show will benefit from the experience and input of members of the Sandringham Flower Show Committee.”
When approached for further comment, a spokesperson for RHS added: “While exhibitor pricing has not yet been published, as with our other shows, it will include a range of options.”
The organisation is asking those who want more information to visit its page here.