In a drive to innovate and create the best horticultural events in the world, the Royal Horticultural Society is launching its first flower show in Gloucestershire.
Arriving in 2026 at Badminton Estate, in what is expected to be a biennial event moving forward, the RHS says its new show will enable it to work with more communities and schools to promote gardening to as many people as possible.
RHS director general Clare Matterson said: 'Our RHS shows are without a doubt the best horticultural events in the world, however we must not and should not stand still.
'We owe it to the horticultural world, our invaluable RHS members, our visitors and our nation of gardeners to look at how and what we can do to create new content, work with new contributors and find ways to generate interest and inspiration both within our current much loved British events and in new locations with new shows to work with new populations and people.
'We’re delighted to be extending our reach and making the RHS more accessible and welcoming to more people. We want to inspire current and new audiences with world-class horticulture and provide access to UK’s best plants people to help even more people garden and grow.'
The RHS says the new show will enable the RHS to deliver some of the best horticulture in the world to the doorsteps of members who don't have an RHS garden near them.
The Duke and Duchess of Beaufort, who live at Badminton Estate, said: 'We are delighted to be chosen as one of the new locations for the RHS Flower Shows.
'These events represent the pinnacle of horticultural excellence and we are honoured to be part of this tradition. We look forward to welcoming visitors to our park and gardens and to sharing Badminton's rich gardening heritage and helping the RHS foster a wider interest in gardening throughout the country.'
The RHS says it is excited about the opportunities the new partnership will offer and it intends to get really creative with ideas and content for visitors to the show.
RHS director of shows, commercial and innovation, Helena Pettit, said: 'We are thrilled to be bringing a new RHS Show to the Badminton Estate in 2026. Steeped in history and with its own private gardens, the estate provides the perfect setting for a world-class horticultural show.
'Hosting a new show in Gloucestershire at this beautiful location will provide us with great opportunities to engage with local communities, designers, nurseries and growers to share the joy and benefits of gardening with all.'
The RHS is the UK’s leading gardening charity with an aim to enrich lives through plants.
