March 23, 2020 4.46 pm This story is over 48 months old

Lincolnshire Show cancelled due to coronavirus crisis

The organisers were left heartbroken

| Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Organisers have been left heartbroken after taking the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 Lincolnshire Show due to the ongoing coronavirus crisis.

The show, which has been running for over 135 years, was due to take place in June. However, after monitoring the latest information and advice, organisers were left with no option but to cancel the flagship event, which normally welcomes over 60,000 visitors, 6,000 students and 600 trade stands each year.

It has only had to cancel a handful of times in the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society’s 150 year history – during World Wars and more recently due to the foot and mouth outbreak in 2001. It is expected to return for the 2021 Lincolnshire Show on June 23 and 24 next year.

Jayne Southall, CEO of the Lincolnshire Showground, said: “We are extremely sorry to have had to make this devastating decision. We have been monitoring the news and advice continually but as the situation has unfolded and intensified, we know we have no alternative but to cancel the 136th Lincolnshire Show.

“The team are heartbroken, but we fully understand the government’s guidance to cancel large public gatherings and national events to help reduce the risk of spreading coronavirus. The safety and wellbeing of our staff, volunteers, competitors, exhibitors and visitors is as always our number one priority.

“We would like to thank everyone for supporting the show and for their hard work and commitment during this difficult time. As a charity, the cancellation of the show has a significant impact on us, as all of our surplus funds go towards our educational work, but also affects our exhibitors, businesses and the local community around us.

“In the next few days, we will contact our traders, sponsors, suppliers, livestock and equine exhibitors, schools and ticket buyers regarding the next steps. We will now focus all of our attention on making our 2021 show the biggest and best show to date and we look forward to welcoming you all back next year.”