THIS SPRING’S Devon County Show has been postponed due to the increased threat of the spread of Coronavirus.

The Board of Directors of three major agricultural events in the South West – Devon County Show, The Royal Bath & West Show and The Royal Cornwall Show, announced the postponement of their events on Tuesday.

August 28, 29 and 30 are the new dates for the Devon County Show, with the Royal Cornwall moving to September 10 to 12 and Royal Bath and West to July 31 to August 2.

Following the Government’s guidance press conference on March 12, it is clear that COVID-19 will still be very active within our communities during May and June so the three shows felt it is the most responsible action to reschedule to protect their visitors, traders and exhibitors from the spread of the virus. 

Whilst the Boards of each show admit this is an extremely difficult decision to make and appreciate the disruption and disappointment the postponement may cause, it has been unanimously agreed that the Shows’ absolute priorities must lie, at this time of uncertainty, with the protection of public health. 

The agricultural show sector is represented by the Association of Show & Agricultural Organisations (ASAO) which is monitoring the situation in the hope that the popular show season can be maintained while continuing to recognise the importance of managing public health.

Said Richard Maunder, Devon County Agricultural Association secretary :’Obviously we are very disappointed to have to postpone the 125th Devon County Show, particularly given that it marks such a momentous milestone in our history.

‘However, we hope that all of our visitors, traders and exhibitors will understand the unprecedented circumstances in which we find ourselves, and our duty to put the health of our public first and foremost. 

‘We look forward to welcoming you all to a spectacular celebration of Devon rural life through the ages, but on this occasion over the bank holiday weekend in August.  We are still on the hunt for descendants of members, exhibitors and competitors from our first two shows back in 1872 and 1873.  Please continue to step forward and make yourselves known to us.’

’If you are unable to make our event, please do support our friends – The Royal Bath & West in Somerset and The Royal Cornwall Show.’

Each show would like to thank the public, traders, competitors and sponsors for their understanding and patience during this period of uncertainty and what is an unprecedented situation.