Aldborough and Boroughbridge Agricultural Show has become the latest major event in the Harrogate district to fall victim to covid this year.
This year’s show, which would have been the 107th, was due to take place on July 25 at Newby Hall.
The event includes animal judging as well as craft tents and stallholders selling food and drink.
This is the second year the show has been cancelled due to covid.
The show committee announced the decision on Facebook. It said:
“It is with an exceptionally heavy heart that the committee have decided to cancel the show this year.
“This has not been a decision that has been taken lightly and all considerations and options have been considered.
“We are still discussing the possibility of a virtual event or perhaps something later in the year, however at this time I can confirm that our full show will not be going ahead on July 25.
“We will confirm next year’s date shortly and we really do hope that that show will be our best one yet.”
The event follows the likes of Ripley Show and Masham Steam Engine and Fair Organ Rally in being cancelled for a second year running.
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Weeton Show to go ahead in July
Weeton Show is set to return on July 18.
The annual agricultural show, which has taken place since 1945, includes horse, sheep, dog and poultry classes, as well as competitions for fruit, flowers, vegetables and crafts.
Organisers were forced to cancel last year’s show due to the covid pandemic.
However, after the government announced its roadmap out of lockdown, show chair Paula Harper said they were determined to give the community something to look forward to.
She said:
“We all felt strongly that we couldn’t cancel it for the second year in a row, so we thought, we better go for it.”
“We’re still in the lap of the Gods, but we’re confident it will be able to take place.”
Paula said this year’s edition at its usual home on Weeton Lane will be a smaller affair but will still feature favourites such as the Rougemont Chase, which sees runners make a dash around the Rougemont wood.
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The outlook is positive for other agricultural shows in the district.
The Yorkshire Agricultural Society said it plans to stage a three-day Great Yorkshire Show from July 13 to 15. Organisers of the Nidderdale Show are also “cautiously optimistic” that the event will go ahead this year.
Paula said agricultural shows are vitally important to the rural communities they serve — but can always be helped by a bit of sunshine on the day.
She added:
“Weeton Show is institution as far as the local community is concerned.”