Westmorland County Show cancelled due to Covid-19
One of the UK’s favourite agricultural shows that takes place in Cumbria has been cancelled.
Organisers of the Westmorland County Show have made the decision to call off the event due to the coronavirus outbreak.
It is said to be Cumbria's biggest one-day event, with more than 30,000 people arriving from across the country, and has won many tourism awards.
The agricultural show was scheduled to take place on Thursday 10 September 2020, but organisers say they are now focusing their efforts on preparing for next year's show.
A spokesperson from Westmorland County Agricultural Society said: "Despite early optimism that we may be able to hold an event in September, very sadly we have come to the conclusion that government guidelines, especially in respect of social distancing measures involving large gatherings, make the running of such an event incredibly uncertain and a risk that the Society cannot take.
"The health and safety of everyone involved including the public, exhibitors, stewards, members, contractors and the county as a whole remain our priority. Recent events further support our concerns.
"We all fully realise that the impact of the pandemic has far reaching and serious consequences, not only for those so sadly impacted by the loss of friends and loved ones, but also those who are suffering financially."
Christine Knipe, Westmorland County Show
Organisers have stressed that the show - which has been on the go since 1799 - has survived previous years where it has been called off, including two World Wars.
They continued: "We remain very positive for the future and planning has already begun for next year’s Show on Thursday 9 September 2021.
"As a registered charity, Westmorland County Agricultural Society will continue its vital year-round work promoting agriculture and working for the farming industry."