The organisers of Birstwith Show have cancelled this year’s event due to uncertainty over the lifting of lockdown restrictions.
The event, which has taken place most years since 1867, had been scheduled to return on July 31.
Traditionally held on the last Saturday in July, the village event attracts up to 2,000 people and is one of many country and agricultural shows in the Harrogate district.
However, organisers have now decided to cancel the show for the second year running due to concerns over health, logistics and the extension of social distancing restrictions.
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A post on the Birstwith Horticultural Society Events Facebook page, said the organisers would not be able to know if it would be legal to put on the show until a week beforehand.
It added:
“Our decision was based on several points, first and most importantly the health of the community and those who would be visiting the village.
“There was also the logistics of what would be needed to be put in place to keep everyone safe.
“And lastly we would have only one week notice from a government announcement whether we could go ahead or not.
“This would not be fair to those supporting us, the acts, marquee, food and drink suppliers etc. It also normally takes a year to plan the event in normal times, with the ever changing rules and regulations one week would just not be possible.”
The show is the latest to be cancelled due to covid.
Both Tockwith Show and Ripley Show organisers cancelled the events earlier this year.
Masham Steam Engine and Fair Organ Rally has also postponed its event this year amid the uncertainty.
However, the Great Yorkshire Show announced yesterday it will go ahead next month.
The event had been in doubt following the government extending social distancing restrictions until July 19.
Weeton Show is also set to go-ahead as planned next month.
Paula Harper, chair of the show, said:
“Weeton Show 2021 was planned from the outset under the restrictions in force at the time – pre-purchase of tickets, masks when inside, social distancing, hand sanitisation and so on – and we continue to plan for a covid safe show.
“We are working closely with local authorities and for this year only the show will be scaled down, so that more of it will be held outdoors and certain competition sections will have fewer classes than usual.”
