Written by Rachel Martin
Organisers have been forced to call off the 2020 Great Yorkshire Show as the UK ramps up measures against Covid-19.
The 162nd Great Yorkshire Show was due to take place from July 14-16. The three-day event is one of the biggest agricultural events in the English agricultural calendar.
Every year more than 130,000 visitors and over 8,500 animals converge on the showgrounds in Harrogate to compete, socialise and celebrate all things rural.
It’s the latest in a series of large UK agricultural gatherings to be cancelled.
Earlier this month, the Royal Highland Agricultural Society announced it would cancel this year’s show, while the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society – which organises Balmoral Show – announced the 2020 show would be postponed until August.
‘Returning bigger and better’
In a statement, organisers said it was a “sad but sensible decision”.
“As this national crisis escalates day by day, we feel we cannot safely run the show in 2020. We are extremely sorry to have to announce this news and appreciate that this will disappoint everyone who loves the show as much as we do,” it read.
“We would like to thank everyone for supporting the Great Yorkshire Show and our goal is to return bigger and better next year.
“We hope you and your families stay safe and well through these difficult times.”
The society said it would be in touch with equine competitors, trade stand holders and sponsors as soon as possible.
Those exhibitors who were successful in securing a room at DJ House in the ballot, will also be contacted in the next few days regarding their booking.
Membership fees
However, members will not have their subscriptions refunded because of the cancellation.
“Membership is of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society and not of the Great Yorkshire Show,” the spokesman explained.
“It supports the society’s vital year-round charity work for the farming industry and offers a series of benefits for its members.
“With this in mind, we are unable to offer a refund in the event of the show being cancelled and we thank you for your continued, invaluable support.
“Any competition tickets associated with the GYS 2020 are null and void. There is no refund or payment for any consequential losses of the show cancelling.”
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