A series of events to celebrate agriculture are set to replace this year's Dorset County Show.

Launching in the summer, the smaller events will include a farm machinery demonstration, horse show, ploughing match and livestock market.

Nicki Ralph, chair of the Dorset County Show said: “We have made the very regrettable decision not to hold the Dorset County Show this year, due to the uncertainties surrounding Covid-19 restrictions.

"Planning for the 2021 show began in 2020 and we have now reached a critical stage for confirming various elements including contractors and suppliers.

"Although the vaccination programme is progressing well and the government has announced its roadmap to recovery, we appreciate things may still be subject to change.

"The safety and welfare of everyone involved in the show remains our top priority and we will therefore be focusing our efforts on hosting a series of ‘alternative events’ for 2021 in place of our flagship show.

“Our new programme of events allows us to celebrate Dorset agriculture and local produce through a smaller scale format, to ensure health and safety standards are sufficiently managed.

"We look forward giving the public an opportunity to enjoy many elements they know and love from the Dorset County Show.

"Planning preparations for 2022 will also kick off towards the end of this year, so we’ll be working hard to bring back our main event in its fullest form next year.”

The Dorset County Show events programme will start at the end of June.

Events include:

  • An exclusive Members Only Reception hosted by Society Presidents Lord & Lady Fellowes
  • Dorset Food and Craft Festival including the Dorset County Show Homecraft & Horticulture classes
  • Dedicated Equine Show held on the first weekend of September including National qualifiers
  • Sheep Dog Trials held in their usual location of Cheselborne
  • Agricultural Machinery Demonstration Day, view the latest machinery working in live demonstrations
  • Ploughing Match hosting the usual conventional and reversible plough classes
  • Winter Livestock Show and Christmas Market, Sheep and Cattle, Farm Produce and seasonal Homecraft judging alongside local food and craft stands.

More details will be released shortly.