THE future of the Cheshire Show has been secured for the next 30 years after a deal was signed between the landowners and the organisers – despite the ominous shadow of the HS2 project looming over the site.

The Crown Estate, owners of the Tabley Showground, have come to an agreement with the Cheshire Agricultural Society for the new lease.

But it is not yet known what affect the proposed HS2 scheme would have on the deal in the future - as it is expected the £42.6bn project, to be built by2033, will cut through part of the showground.

The annual show has been held at the Cheshire Showground, at Tabley, near Knutsford, since 1990 and has become one of the top attractions in the north west, attracting on average 80,000 visitors and more than 700 trade stands during the two-day event.

The new lease with The Cheshire Agricultural Society increases the land available to 250 acres which includes the Cheshire Showground, storage buildings and offices at Clay House Farm, and additional land to enable improved access and visibility for the show.

Malcolm Burns, from The Crown Estate, said: "We are very pleased to agree a new lease with The Cheshire Agricultural Society to guarantee the use of the showground for years to come.

"The agreement demonstrates how our approach to active management of our rural assets also supports the success of rural communities and we hope that the Cheshire Show, already a very successful annual event, can now continue to go from strength to strength.”

Tony Garnett, chairman of the Cheshire County Show, added: "In recent years we have grown to become one of the biggest county shows in the country which is why Tabley is an ideal location for our future needs and possible expansions.

"We are grateful to the Crown Estate for their enduring confidence in our operation and good friendship with the Cheshire Agricultural Society.”

George Osborne, MP for Tatton, said: "The Cheshire Show is such a brilliant event – and I’m so pleased it has a site for the long term.

"It’s not just a great day out for families, it’s also vitally important for our country’s rural economy and really showcases what Cheshire has to offer.

"I would like to pay tribute to the Cheshire Agricultural Society and The Crown Estate for their hard work and cooperation in bringing this about."

The showground site is part of the 3,600 acre Tabley estate purchased by The Crown Estate in 2007, which as well as the showground, comprises farms, commercial leases and woodland.