Tatton Park’s annual Apple Day has been cancelled for the first time in 24 years after extreme weather and increased pest activity left organisers short of fruit to share with visitors.

The event in Cheshire will not take place this October following a significantly reduced harvest from the estate’s collection of about 300 apple and pear trees.

Head gardener Simon Tetlow said prolonged summer drought had created one of the most challenging growing seasons the team had experienced.

He said the cancellation highlighted the challenges climate change posed for sustainable fruit growing.

Head gardener Simon Tetlow said: “For 24 years, our orchards have provided the centrepiece for a fantastic tasting day to celebrate the start of autumn, but this year a combination of prolonged drought and unprecedented pest pressures has left us without enough fruit to share with visitors.”

He said the gardening team was already adapting what crops were grown, where they were planted and cultivation methods to improve resilience in future seasons.

Organisers said they hoped Apple Day would return in 2027.

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