Cheshire’s Year of Gardens 08 is officially unveiled

14th April 2008

Stunning displays and a host of VIPs were among the highlights of celebrations to mark the official launch of Cheshire’s Year of Gardens 08, a long-term programme to develop Cheshire as the destination of choice for garden lovers world-wide.

The launch event at Tatton Park was hosted by local tourism board, Visit Chester & Cheshire.

It was attended by many of those who are leading and backing the ambitious Year of Gardens project which will see more than 300 special events taking place at 29 ‘Gardens of Distinction’ in and around Chester and Cheshire.

Cheshire’s Year of Gardens Chair Felicity Goodey CBE thanked all the Cheshire Year of Gardens partners, congratulating them on their remarkable achievement in bringing together what she described as ‘a unique collection of extraordinary garden attractions’ and creating a winning idea.

“This is just the beginning,” Felicity continued. “It’s the opportunity for ‘big name’ industries and small businesses to work together with small businesses and prove that Chester-Cheshire can be up there, competing with the very best for a place as one of the UK’s top ten attractions.”

Cheshire’s Year of Gardens  is expected to attract 300,000 additional visitors and generate an economic impact of £15 million over this and future years.

Peter Mearns, Executive Director of Marketing at the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), said: “Cheshire’s Year of Gardens celebrates the county’s proud garden heritage and will ensure that Cheshire benefits from the significant economic and cultural benefits linked to European Capital of Culture 2008.

“I have no doubt that the distinctive programme of events will not only enhance Cheshire’s reputation as a leading destination for gardens at an international level but will also bring enjoyment to many thousands of local people.”

Cheshire County Council Chief Executive Jeremy Taylor praised the impact of the Year of Gardens on local communities. The County Council has been able to support a grants programme in partnership with Groundwork Cheshire which has so far developed 50 community-based projects designed to enrich the lives of many people across the area, he explained.

Cheshire Building Society is the latest of Cheshire’s leading business organisations to announce its backing for the programme. It will highlight Year of Gardens events throughout its branch network and via its website as well as hold society events at Cheshire gardens.  

Speaking at the launch event, Cheshire Building Society’s Chief Executive Karen McCormick, said: “As a mutual society, the role we play in our communities is central to all we do and we are delighted to work with Cheshire’s Year of Gardens.  The partnership approach which is being fostered through this programme is a tremendous illustration of what can be achieved working together in the Northwest.”

In addition to the Gardens of Distinction, visitors will be able to choose from dozens of memorable events, many of them unique and UK ‘firsts’ including a fun-packed weekend featuring Pumpkin Games for all the family at Arley Hall; the unveiling of new sculptures at five Cheshire gardens, an orchid festival and access to a secret garden!
 
• More Cheshire’s Year of Gardens 08’ events and activities are being added every week. Residents can keep up to date with programme developments by visiting www.yearofgardens08.com