The organisers of Tockwith Show have voted to cancel next year’s event.
The agricultural show, which began in 1945, showcases a range of livestock and horticulture, but visitors will have to wait until at least 2025 to go again.
It follows the directors’ recent proposal to take a one-year break after five committee members stepped down from their roles.
The current committee chair, Georgina Watson, who is one of those stepping down, said:
“Although it’s obviously disappointing to have to cancel the 2024 show, this does give us a really valuable opportunity to take a look at every aspect of the show and, in particular, to find ways of spreading the workload.”
The decision was unanimously approved at the committee’s annual general meeting on Wednesday.
The remaining committee hopes the hiatus will offer enough time to recruit new volunteers, as well as review the current content and structure of the show to decide what may need to change.
Ms Watson added:
“Clearly the key to ensuring the show’s future is to recruit more people; that way we can make sure that small groups, rather than individuals, share what at times can be hard work.
“We want to ensure that being involved in the show remains both exciting and enjoyable for everyone.”
One of the directors, Mike Best, said several new people have already come forward to offer their help.
He added:
“The committee has decided to make the focus of 2024 a number of smaller events to help promote the show and raise awareness within the community.”
Ms Watson also said the committee wants to ensure new recruits “can bring in fresh ideas”, adding:
“The show has been incredibly successful in the past, but that doesn’t mean there’s not room to adapt and improve what we are offering.
“The year’s break means we can throw everything up in the air and see what emerges.
“I think this is an exciting opportunity and I’m confident that Tockwith Show will be back better than ever in 2025.”
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