The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) is pleased to announce an investment of £750,000 in the RHS Flower Show at Tatton Park, which will give a further boost to what is already the Northwest's biggest horticultural event.

The funding, which will run over the next three years, will be used to increase promotional activity around the show, enabling it to reach a wider audience and further benefit the region's visitor economy. The funding will be used to introduce new show content for Tatton, making improvements to infrastructure and also promoting the prestigious event, which this year celebrates its 10th anniversary.

The investment is timed to make the most of Cheshire's Year of Gardens 08, a year-long celebration of the county's horticultural heritage that links with Liverpool's year as European Capital of Culture. It will help the show to develop a display to celebrate Cheshire's Year of Gardens ‘08 and also four back-to-back gardens to highlight Cheshire's Gardens of Distinction.

The RHS Flower Show at Tatton Park is the region's biggest horticultural event and is one of the Royal Horticultural Society's major flower shows. It takes place this year between 23 and 27 July.

James Berresford, Director of Tourism at the NWDA, said:  

"This investment in the RHS Flower Show at Tatton Park will enable it to step-up its promotional activity. The show has the potential to attract even more visitors and the proposed developments will help us to enhance the appeal of the region as a visitor destination. 

"The investment will also ensure that Cheshire's Year of Gardens and the RHS are ideally positioned to capitalise on a unique opportunity to profile the county and its fantastic gardens."

Chris Brown, Chief Executive for Visit Chester and Cheshire, said:

"We are delighted to see this timely investment in the RHS Flower Show at Tatton Park, one of the key events for Cheshire's Year of Gardens, and an enduring asset in our gardening calendar."

Brendan Flanagan, General Manager at Tatton Park, said:

"Both Tatton Park and the RHS Flower Show at Tatton Park are significant contributors to the region's visitor economy. This is welcome support, helping to strengthen the show's contribution to the region, extending its reach and ensuring that it continues to develop and grow to the benefit of Cheshire and the Northwest."

Stephen Bennett, Director of RHS Shows said:

"Staging a flower show on this scale and one of national standing to the Northwest is a substantial undertaking for us as a charity.  This funding recognises the value of having a world-class horticultural event in the region, and reflects the strong ties forged with the NWDA and Visit Chester and Cheshire."