THE New Forest and Hampshire County Show has been cancelled for the second year in a row due to Covid-19.

The cancellation of two subsequent New Forest Shows has only happened once before in its 100-year history. Shows were not held between 1940 and 1945 during the Second World War.

The 2020 event which was also cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic would have marked 100 years since the first show in 1920.

Chairman Martin Stewart said: "We are all extremely saddened to have come to this decision, but the Society is a charity and the show costs well in excess of a million pounds to lay on annually.

"Whilst we believe we are slowly coming out of lockdown there are still too many things that could delay matters. The final date of the 21st June is the earliest the final restrictions could be lifted; it could be delayed. If the Society were to go ahead and for whatever reason the show was cancelled (even with 3 months to go) it would bankrupt the Society. The Board unanimously agreed that it was better to protect the long-term survival of the Society than to risk everything in what is still very uncertain times.

"We know what the Show means to the community, exhibitors, competitors, sponsors, stewards, members and indeed the whole team at the Showground. We are very disappointed but will be back with a vengeance in 2022’.

A Centenary fund has been set up to help secure the future of the New Forest Show. Go to newforestshow.co.uk/centenary-fund

Chief Executive Denis Dooley added: “This was a very difficult decision to make and I am sorry we cannot hold the New Forest & Hampshire County Show this year. The fragile nature of the roadmap alongside the uncertainly over regulations for large events this Summer made planning for the 2021 Show impossible. When coming to the decision the Board were unanimous in their aim to prioritise the long term success of the Show and safety of all those involved. "These are both unprecedented and challenging times for the Society and I would encourage anyone who wants to demonstrate their support to contribute towards our Centenary Fund”.

The show will be returning to New Park in 2022 on July 26, 27 and 28 July.

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