Show society pulls plug on Royal Launnie

THE final Royal Launceston Show due to be held at its traditional Inveresk site has been cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Show society president Jock Gibson announced on Thursday that after “extensive consideration” the Royal National Agricultural and Pastoral Society of Tasmania had cancelled the event.

The show, scheduled for October 8, would have been the last at the Inveresk site before the lease was handed over to UTAS in exchange for $1.3 million, enabling the society to repay its more than $150,000 debt to council and live on at a new site.

“Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the current restrictions in place for public gatherings, along with the uncertainty of any timeline around lifting restrictions, it makes it unworkable to hold an event such as the Royal Launceston Show this year,” Mr Gibson said.

The announcement followed news of capital city royal shows and regional shows around Australia having to be cancelled for the same reasons.

“The decision not to proceed with our annual show has not been taken lightly,” Mr Gibson said. “With few exceptions, the Launceston Show has been conducted each year since 1873.”

Mr Gibson said insurance risk, financial implications and the health and wellbeing of stakeholders and the community were factored into the decision. “Consequently, we are unable to guarantee the safety of those involved in our annual event and our patrons, and therefore have determined the risk and exposure for the society to be too great,” he said.

“It is our intention to reactivate the weekly Launceston Esk market, which is operated by our society, as soon as easing of restriction permits this action. The society will now focus on finding a new location for a refreshed and vibrant Royal Launceston Show in October 2021.

“We will keep you informed of future developments and look forward to seeing you at the 2021 Royal Launceston Show.”