North Show cancelled for first time since war

Northern Agricultural and Horticultural Society president Gary Trimbee-Laine said the regrettable decision resulted from constraints imposed by the coronavirus pandemic.

Recent discussions with the States had confirmed that the island’s gradual release from lockdown was highly unlikely to alter restrictions on travel and social distancing sufficiently in time to allow the event to run.

‘After some discussions with the committee, we have sadly reached the conclusion that the show cannot be put on this year for the first time, we believe, since the Occupation, which is disappointing given the work already undertaken,’ said Mr Trimbee-Laine.

‘We totally understand the reasons behind this, of course, and have a duty of care to islanders by adhering to the measures being implemented by the Civil Contingencies Authority.’

The North Show was due to be held at Saumarez Park on Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 August with a host of UK acts booked to travel over and many local artists and entertainment also featuring.

‘One should not underestimate the effort that goes into putting on such an event which starts soon after the fireworks display the previous year,’ said Mr Trimbee-Laine.

‘As 2021 marks the centenary of the first North Show, we are all absolutely determined to put on one of the best next year to mark this special occasion.’

While the show this year will not take place at Saumarez Park, the society did have plans to stage a scaled-down version of the show virtually, either via its Facebook page or its

website.

The committee is working on plans for the virtual aspects of the show which includes deciding what small handful of classes could be viable.

For news of which classes the show will be able to offer, along with how to submit entries, follow the GuernseyNorthShow Facebook page.

. The South Show has been cancelled while the West said on its website the committee was considering whether a show could go ahead.