The Lincolnshire Show, the county’s flagship summer event, has been cancelled as coronavirus concern now stretches out to late June.
A decision was made with heavy heart by the charity behind it on Monday, with more than 60,000 visitors, 6,000 students and 600 trade stands anticipated.
Jayne Southall, chief executive 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.”
The much-loved annual show, which welcomes hundreds of local exhibitors, breathtaking performances and exciting attractions, has only had to cancel a handful of times in the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society’s 150 year history - during World Wars and most recently because of the foot and mouth outbreak in 2001.
It follows Humber Business Week, Offshore Wind Connections and the Northern Lincolnshire Business Awards as high profile loses.
Jayne added: “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.”
The 2021 Lincolnshire Show will take place on June 23 and 24.
