We really sad to announce that Moreton Show has been cancelled for 2020 because of the global Coronavirus pandemic. Organisers of the show, which would have taken place on Saturday, September 5th, have taken the decision to protect public safety.
Moreton Show Chairman, Ed Hicks said: ‘It is heartbreaking for everyone involved to be cancelling Moreton Show because so many people put so much time into making it one of the biggest one-day agricultural shows in the country. Above everything else, however, we must ensure the safety of everyone involved. This includes our visitors, the exhibitors, the traders, members and all the volunteers who work on the show as well as everyone in Moreton-in-Marsh and the wider community.
‘We’ve obviously been monitoring government guidelines on social distancing and the prospect of staging any big event is still a long way off. Last year, the show celebrated its 70th anniversary and it has become a major event in the Cotswolds calendar. This cancellation means that we’re probably looking at losses heading towards £100,000 but this counts for little besides the far more significant and personal losses suffered by families throughout the UK.
‘We know that everyone will appreciate that we’re facing immense challenges in our way of life because of COVID-19 and I’m sure people will understand why we have taken this difficult decision to call off the show for 2020. We waited for as long as we could before making this decision but it’s important to make it now to offset more losses.’
As a registered charity, Moreton Show is dedicated to promoting farming, agricultural practices and rural crafts and its work will go on, with the office team now concentrating on supporting the Cotswolds farming industry and working towards a spectacular return for the show in 2021.
Livestock secretary, Lynne Parkes said: ‘We are so fortunate that, here in rural Gloucestershire, it’s still business as usual for farming. Farmers are working hard to preserve our country’s food chain and making sure we have top quality, safe, fresh British food on our plates.
‘Although we won’t have a show this year, we’re still here to support and celebrate all that is best about British farming and the rural way of life. We’re an optimistic and positive bunch and we’ll look forward to being back on the showground next year.’
Moreton Show has been fortunate that several show sponsors have agreed to continue their support. Tom Hayman-Joyce, of Hayman-Joyce Estate Agents, who is also the show vice-chairman, said: ‘The decision to cancel this year’s show was unanimous and, as a company, we want to demonstrate how much we appreciate and value the work of Moreton Show and the Moreton Show Society by continuing our sponsorship for this year.
‘The show is the vibrant centre-piece of the Cotswolds farming year and has been for more than 70 years. We’re happy to help ensure its continued success.’
Chairman Ed Hicks added: ‘We’re so grateful for the continued support we’re getting from our sponsors and members. Their commitment to us will help secure our future in these challenging times. Moreton Show has a wonderful history and with all the terrific support we’re getting, we hope we’ll be back to our best in 2021 and that we’ll be here for many more years to come.’
Moreton Show is the latest in a long list agricultural shows forced to cancel because of Coronavirus. It’s only the fourth cancellation in the show’s 70 year history. Previously, the show was called off during the foot-and-mouth outbreaks of 1952 and 2001 and because of torrential rain and local flooding in 2008.
People who have already bought tickets for the 2020 show will automatically be refunded. Trade stand holders who wish to carry their booking over to next year or who require a refund should go to the website at www.moretonshow.co.uk. Given that the office is operating with fewer staff, Moreton Show does ask that everyone is patient because the aim is to deal with all inquiries as quickly and as efficiently as possible.
Ed Hicks added: ‘Like so many people around the country, we are trying our best to find ways through these difficult times and thank everyone in advance for their patience in dealing with the consequences of this cancellation.’
