The Board of Directors of three major agricultural events in the south west - Devon County Show, The Royal Bath & West Show and The Royal Cornwall Show, have today announced the postponement of their events due to the increased threat of the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Following the Government’s guidance press conference on March 12, it is clear that COVID-19 will still be very active within our communities during May and June so the three Shows feel it is the most responsible action to reschedule to protect their visitors, traders and exhibitors from the spread of the virus.

Whilst the Boards of each show admit this is an extremely difficult decision to make and appreciate the disruption and disappointment the postponement may cause, it has been unanimously agreed that the Shows’ absolute priorities must lie, at this time of uncertainty, with the protection of public health.

The three shows all of which were scheduled to take place in spring, will be postponed until: -

July 31, August 1 & 2– The Royal Bath & West Show

August 28, 29 & 30– Devon County Show
September 10, 11 & 12 – The Royal Cornwall Show

The agricultural show sector is represented by the Association of Show & Agricultural Organisations (ASAO) which is monitoring the situation in the hope that the popular show season can be maintained while continuing to recognise the importance of managing public health.

Chris Riddle, the secretary of the Royal Cornwall Agricultural Association said:-

“The whole team are highly disappointed that we have to postpone the Royal Cornwall Show in June. We feel that we have a responsibility to the wider community to ensure we do all we can to protect public health.

"We are sure our visitors, traders and exhibitors understand this.

“We understand the importance the Royal Cornwall Show has to both local businesses and the regional economy, and with the current financial climate, we feel that it is hugely important to try to ensure that the Show still goes ahead this year.

“We appreciate that this change of date may cause inconvenience for some but feel that it is in the best interests of the county and wider south west as a whole.”

Each show would like to thank the public, traders, competitors and sponsors for their understanding and patience during this period of uncertainty and what is an unprecedented situation.

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