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Staffordshire County Show bosses cancel 2020 show

Staffordshire County Show, one of the biggest events on the regional calendar, has been cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The show would have taken place at the Weston Road Showground on Wednesday and Thursday, May 27 and 28, but organisers say the decision to cancel was taken as early as possible to minimise disruption for those planning to attend the event.

Richard Williams, Chief Executive of the Staffordshire and Birmingham Agricultural Society, said: “The decision was taken after a great deal of thought and discussion but we believe it is the right one and we will now be focussing all our attention on the 2021 show on June 2 and 3.

“We are extremely sorry that the Show will not take place this year and apologise to all those people who were looking forward to it but the decision was not taken lightly and we feel sure people will understand.

“It is clear from all the available information that the pandemic is going to get worse over the coming weeks.

“We have listened carefully to the Government advice and have taken into consideration the possibility of further general restrictions being imposed in the days and weeks ahead. In consequence we believe cancellation was the difficult but common sense option.”

Mr Williams urged all involved to support each other at this difficult time and assured everyone that the show staff would be in touch with traders, sponsors and ticket holders as soon as possible.

“We have been receiving an unprecedented number of calls to the office. We hope this statement will offer relief for some as uncertainty just adds to people’s anxiety at times like this. We will be in touch with all as soon as possible.

“I would like to thank everyone involved in the show for their hard work and the work which will be carried out in the coming weeks and months,” he added.

There has been a County Show every year since 1800 except during the war years and on two occasions following outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease. From 1800 until the mid 1950s the show was held at various towns in Staffordshire and moved to its present, permanent home in 1956.

Last year’s show reached record heights with the highest number of entries in sheep and cattle competitions in recent history. There were almost 800 entries to exhibit sheep, nearly 300 cattle and also increased numbers in horses, dogs and goat entries.

The event normally boasts a packed Grand Ring programme alongside a variety of family entertainment, food, a range of music, crafts, 400 trade stands and a full itinerary for visitors to the popular Woodfest and Country Pursuit areas.

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