ONE of the biggest and longest-running social events in Taunton's calendar has been cancelled as the country tries to get grip of the coronavirus outbreak.

Organisers of Taunton Flower Show have confirmed the 2020 event will not be going ahead this year - only the second time the event hasn't been held during peace time for 190 years.

The August event, which takes place at Vivary Park, has sadly become the latest victim of the virus as a host of big-name events are cancelled across the UK, including Glastonbury Festival.

Soon-to-retire chairman of the iconic show, Adrian Prior-Sankey, said: "‘For the first time since the war there won’t be a show in the park this August but the organising team is in good heart and want to make sure that as soon as we can be out and about again we will put plans in place for a great celebration in 2021.

"In 2021 the show will be 190 years old and will have been held in Vivary Park for 170 years."

Anyone who has purchased tickets for this year’s show can have a refund or carry them over to next year. Members of the show who have renewed their subscription will have the same options.

Mr Prior-Sankey s retiring after more than 20 years at the forefront of the show which is the oldest, longest running event of its kind in Britain, and the second in the world.

Apart from a flood in 1997 after the exhibits were set up, only wars have interrupted the annual gathering of gardeners and the public in Taunton’s Vivary Park.

The chairman-elect is Nigel Handbury who has served as vice chairman and is retired having had a distinguished career in the armed forces working with medical teams.

Details of how to contact the show’s administrative team during the covid19 restriction period can be found on the show’s website at tauntonfs.co.uk.