The organisers of Shropshire Petal Fields have issued an update on this year’s flower field, which is due to open from August 7th to 16th.
They want to manage the expectations of visitors, who will encounter a different flower field experience compared to last year’s event, with much shorter flowers.
Ashley Evers-Swindell, Head of Marketing at Shropshire Petals, said, “Our blooms have endured an exceptionally challenging growing season. An unusually cold spring delayed the crop's development, and the two heatwaves that followed put the young plants under significant stress during key stages of growth. As a result, this year's flowers are expected to be much shorter and more widely spaced than in previous years.”
They confirmed that changing the opening dates won’t impact the flower’s growth at this stage.
Ashley added, “We've done everything we can to give the flowers the best possible chance. Alongside planting, weeding and irrigation, we've also undersown the field with a drought-resistant flowering crop to add extra colour. After all that hard work and investment, we’ll be going ahead with our 2026 opening, but we do want to be open about what visitors can expect.
“This year's field won't look the same as last summer’s. The flowers will be shorter and less dense, but there will still be plenty of colour and beautiful spots to enjoy.”
Due to crop rotation, a new field is used for the event each year, and this year’s field has the most impressive woodland to date.
“The good news is that our woodland walk will be the best it has ever been with gorgeous trees and a pretty pool. We will be creating picnic spots in the woods and some extra new surprises.
“We're very grateful to our visitors for understanding. Farming is always at the mercy of the weather. While we can create memorable experiences, we can't control what the weather does.
“We hope visitors continue to support us through what's been a difficult growing season and come and enjoy everything that makes Shropshire Petal Fields special - embracing the outdoors, making memories, and enjoying the beauty of nature.”
Beth Heath from Shropshire Festivals adds, “We’re excited to bring two magical live music experiences to our field ahead of opening, before what we know will be another wonderful Shropshire Petal Fields with our short but sweet flowers this year.
Whether we see you for live music as the sun sets over the petals or a day with nature during our flower field opening, we hope you have a wonderful time.”
The planned live music events feature an ABBA tribute for Pop in the Petals on July 31st and a live orchestra experience for Proms in the Petals on August 1st. Shropshire Petal Fields opens from August 7th to 16th.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.shropshirepetalfields.co.uk
