Agriculture-championing Nottinghamshire County Show at Newark Showground is off due to coronavirus threat
The pinnacle date in the annual farming calendar, the Nottinghamshire County Show, which attracts thousands of visitors over a weekend in May, has been cancelled.
Following the most recent, official Government advice regarding Coronavirus (Covid-19) and after careful
consideration and discussions, the Newark andNottinghamshire Agricultural Society made the announcement today.
Explaining the decision in a statement, the society said: “In light of the ongoing developments with coronavirus here in the UK, we’ve taken the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 County Show.
"We feel this is the most sensible approach in the interest of public health and the wellbeing of our community and staff.
“The Nottinghamshire County Show at Newark Showground is a highlight in the society’s events calendar, and this is incredibly disappointing, not only for the team who have been working so hard to get to this point but all our valued participants, volunteers, exhibitors, sponsors and partners who make the show the success it is.
“We welcome thousands of visitors every year, and despite many offers of support and encouragement, we have received so many responses from supporters highlighting difficulties in being able to run the show that our efforts will be unfortunately frustrated.
"Making this decision now will help us to limit the impact on our charity and keep the safety of everyone involved at the heart of all we do.
“The cancellation of the County Show is a huge blow to the society, as we rely on the income we derive through ticket sales, sponsorship and trade stand income.
"Without the show, we will become more reliant on philanthropic support and charitable donations in order to continue with our charitable activities supporting agriculture, education and the wider farming community.”
Show chairman, Richard Sheldon said: “We are devastated to be making this announcement, but we fully support the Government on this matter - public health and safety has to be our number one priority.
"We know this will be very sad and disappointing news for all involved, however, we must always put the health and welfare of our staff, volunteers, customers, exhibitors and visitors first.
The Newark Showground team and the society will continue to closely follow developments and advice from Public Health England and the Government’s recommendations over the coming weeks and months.”
The show team have advised they will be in contact with all ticket buyers, competition entries, sponsors and trade stands in due course and exhibitors and visitors are encouraged to get in touch if they have any questions.
Email show@newarkshowground.com or telephone t: 01636 705796 for up to date information, or visit www.nottinghamshirecountyshow.com or the Facebook page @NottinghamshireCountyShow
“As a charitable organisation, we rely heavily on the support and goodwill of our members, exhibitors and sponsors," the society said.
"The next three months are going to be challenging for us all.
"If you feel you would like to support our charitable work, including the County Show, we would be extremely grateful if you could perhaps consider donating all or part of your contribution to the Newark and Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society or joining as a corporate or private member.
"This will help stand us in good stead to plan for a fantastic show in 2021 and we will make a point of recognising all additional support we receive wherever we can.
"Thank you everyone for your continued support and understanding.
"We remain committed to supporting the agricultural community in Nottinghamshire and beyond and send our best wishes to you all.”
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