Two major agricultural shows are cancelled for 2020
TWO of the Staffordshire Moorlands’ major agricultural shows have announced the cancellation of this year’s events due to the coronavirus pandemic, writes LES JACKSON.
Both the Manifold Valley and Ipstones Agricultural Shows planned for August have decided to cancel the 2020 events.
The 41st Manifold show was due to take place on August 8, while the Ipstones show was to celebrate its 70th event on August 29.
The Manifold show, one of the biggest in the district, has gone from strength to strength over the past few years and attracts more than 7,000 people and more than 100 trade stands.
The showground is located in one of the most stunning locations in the district, at the Arbour, between Ilam and Alstonefield.
The organising committee said that they were disappointed to announce the cancellation.
However, following the recent Government updates on coronavirus, the organisers felt that it was advisable to make the decision to cancel now, so as to minimise disruption for those planning to participate.
Nik Searston, recently elected chairman, said: “It is with a sincere sense of responsibility that we have to announce the cancellation of the 2020 Manifold Valley Show. We know this will be a disappointment to everyone who supports the show each year and enjoys all it has to offer. We are now working on making sure that 2021 will be a show to remember.
“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 and agree.”
The 2021 show has now been scheduled to take place on Saturday, August 14.
Meanwhile, members on the long established Ipstones Agricultural Society committee have also agreed to cancel this year’s event.
The show brought thousands of people to the hilltop community for the day.
Chairman of Ipstones Agricultural Society, Andrew Stevenson, said: “We have consulted all members and it has been agreed that this year’s show, to be held at the end of August, should be cancelled. At this time we are unsure what the government advice will be in a few weeks, but we need to do more planning now.
We are unable to hold meetings to discuss items.
“This year we were to celebrate our 70th show, but we will have to wait until next year when we will hopefully be back with a big event.
“This is the first time we have had to cancel a show but these are exceptional times, and we have to look after the wellbeing of visitors, exhibitors and stallholders.”
For more information, contact Andrew Stevenson or Jeff Chadwick.
It is understood that a decision on the future of this year’s Leek Show will also be made within the next week.