AN experienced horticultural expert, who has judged shows all over the country, has lamented the loss of one of the UK’s finest events.

Chris Arnold, honorary secretary of The Guild of Horticultural Judges, has been involved in the annual Holker Garden Festival for around 14 years. He shared his sadness at yesterday’s announcement that the event would be folding after almost a quarter of a century.

Mr Arnold, who judged at Holker at least 12 times, said: “It’s come as a bit of a shock.

“The quality of exhibits there has always been first class - it’s one of the best I do throughout the country. Holker, and Lord and Lady Cavendish, are very, very friendly towards everyone. They absolutely want everybody to be happy.

“There’s no other show like it from that respect, in terms of what they provide in hospitality. There’s no other show where the organisers are so involved and really want everyone to succeed.

“It’s going to come as a real shock to a lot of people, especially some exhibitors who will have been going since it started. It’s going to be a huge loss.”

Mr Arnold said he still holds out hope that the event could still make a comeback if other, less established, events fail to capture the public imagination the way the beloved annual fixture has over the last 24 years. Holker’s board of directors took the difficult decision to bring the festival to a close so they can devote more time and energy to refreshing their annual programme.

Holker Group chairman, Lucy Cavendish, said: “The garden festival has been part of my life for many years, and I have many cherished memories, but horticultural and other outdoor events have proliferated in an already-congested early summer season. This has put the festival’s long term prospects in jeopardy.

“We therefore took the view that it was better to end now, on a high. On behalf of my family, may I offer our heartfelt thanks for the loyalty, hard work and commitment over the years to those who made the garden festival what it was. It was a team effort and the support of those involved created 24 magical events”.

One of those lucky enough to experience the magic of Holker over the years was Norma Halpin, from Barrow in Furness Flower Club. Every year, she and other members of the green-fingered group would enjoy showing in the floral art exhibition.

Mrs Halpin said: “It’s a shame because, this year, as far as the floral art went, I’d say it was one of the best they’ve ever had. It was always a lovely atmosphere because the surroundings are fabulous and everyone enjoys going.”

Holker has hosted a range of events over the years, from horse trials and historic car shows to a hot air balloon festival. Its board of directors is now focused on developing a fresh events programme for the 2017 season and beyond.

SPECTACLE ATTRACTED HOUSEHOLD NAMES

HOLKER Garden Festival has seen no shortage of star visitors over a hugely successful 24 years.

This year’s event attracted the queen of gardening, Charlie Dimmock, who praised the beauty of the setting as well as the “relaxed and chilled” atmosphere of the annual feature.

The star, who shot to fame on the BBC's Ground Force, had been particularly keen to look around the stunning gardens of Holker Hall, which she had seen photographs of prior to visiting South Cumbria. The down-to-earth TV presenter followed in a long line of celebrity guests who have enjoyed the show.

Carol Klein, presenter of BBC’s Gardeners’ World, attended the 18th annual event in 2010. She followed garden guru Monty Don, who was guest of honour at the previous year’s festival.

In 2008, organisers welcomed Matt James, star of Channel 4’s The City Gardener.

Other visitors to Holker have included pop singer Kim Wilde and Two Fat LadiesTV presenter Clarissa Dickson Wright. Celebrity guests have fit in among the tens of thousands who have attended Holker over the years.

In 2015, chairman Lucy Cavendish explained how the garden festival’s expected 20,000 visitors were likely to inject a six-figure sum into the local economy.

EVENT KNOWN AS 'CHELSEA OF THE NORTH'

HAVING brought smiles to the faces of many thousands of visitors over almost a quarter of a century, Holker Garden Festival’s magnificent floral marquees have been dismantled for the final time.

First held in 1992, the event was inspired by the popularity of the Lakeland Rose Show and quickly became established as the ‘Chelsea of the North’.

Over the years, the festival has attracted some of the UK’s top horticulturalists, nurseries and specialist growers. Its beautiful setting amid the Holker parkland, combined with a relaxed ‘garden-party’ atmosphere, made it unique.

The annual garden festival has long formed one of the star attractions in the Holker estate calendar, which has also featured horse trials, historic car shows, a hot air balloon festival and, more recently, the BBC Antiques Roadshow.