Show cancelled to 'limit damage'

Bristol's Flower Show was cancelled as a "damage limitation exercise" after a poor take up of trade stands and sponsorship, it has emerged.

In July organisers said the show would not go ahead after concerns waterlogged ground "could pose a health and safety risk for visitors and exhibitors".

Since 2005 the show has been managed by the Royal Bath and West Society in partnership with the city council.

Under terms of that deal both parties would share any profits or losses.

'Contract renegotiation'

Bristol City Council papers show the decision to cancel the 2007 show was "primarily a commercial decision".

The contract to manage the show with RB&W was due to end after this year's event and the RB&W said it was unable to continue to subsidise the event under the terms of the current agreement.

Council papers also indicate that new terms would need to be negotiated for 2008 if this partnership was to continue.

The RB&W Board met on 23 July and agreed to recommend to the Down's Committee that the event should be cancelled as a "damage limitation exercise" and it was primarily a commercial decision based on the poor take up of trade stands and sponsorship which was not expected to improve.

It also cited the uncertain weather prospects in August which risked an adverse impact on trade and visitor numbers.

The estimated cost to the Downs Committee of cancelling August's show is estimated to be £25,000 - which can be met from the council reserves - with a similar cost to the RB&W.

It was the first time the show had been cancelled.

A decision on whether the 2008 show will go ahead is expected to be made in November.