Bakewell Show set for 2022 return, but not as we know it
THE HISTORIC EVENT HAS ONLY BEEN HELD ONCE IN THE PAST FOUR YEARS
IT’S one of the highlights of the summer calendar in Derbyshire but it was last held in 2019, but now the organisers of the Bakewell Show are planning on bringing it back in 2022.
However the historic event, which dates back to 1819, will “return to its roots to support and promote agriculture, horticulture and forestry in the area” said the organisers in a statement.
They say the Bakewell Show as it had become will not take place again.
Bakewell Agricultural and Horticultural Society (BAHS) organises the event, and has done since it was first held more than 200 years ago.
A spokesperson said: “Public demand in the 21st century has changed and, like similar shows across the country, it needs to reflect growing interest in the environment and the traceability of food.”
Ian Else, chairman of the BAHS said: “We are optimistic of holding a show in 2022 – and as we made clear in 2019, it will be based on the Farm to Plate event, organised to celebrate the 200th anniversary of BAHS.
“There will also be standalone events such as dog shows and horticultural shows.
“Shows are just one of the ways in which we can demonstrate our support for the rural economy. We have also introduced training grants, which are open twice a year to award 10 successful applicants up to £1,000 towards course fees, books or equipment.”
The Bakewell Show has been plagued with problems in recent years – in 2017 very heavy rain left the showground a mudbath and led to the cancellation of the 2018 event to allow the ground the recover.
It was last held in its new form in 2019, however the coronavirus pandemic meant it was cancelled in 2020 and again this year.
It had been extremely rare for the show to be cancelled, even during the 2001 foot-and-mouth outbreak it was still held.
Prior to the recent cancellations the show was only previously halted from going ahead during the First and Second World Wars.
Public demand in the 21st Century has changed.
Bakewell Agricultural and Horticultural Society