Popular north-east agricultural show cancelled for second year running

A major north-east agricultural event has been cancelled this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Turriff Show had been due to take place in early August.

Organisers say they cannot proceed with their plans due to the uncertainty around hosting large-scale events.

It follows the cancellation of the 2020 show due to Covid-19.

Alan Gaul, president of the 2021 show, said: "It is with deep regret and much consideration that we had to make the extremely difficult decision that the next Turriff Show will take place in 2022 and not 2021 as we had hoped.

"The release of the vaccine gave us all fresh hope for our 2021 event but as time has moved on, and with the possibility of restrictions for mass gatherings, social distancing and lockdown measures continuing to be in place for the foreseeable future, and the uncertainty of when and how long it will be before we can return to some form of normality as we know it, it was felt to be the right decision to take.

"We appreciate that having to cancel the show for a second year is extremely disappointing but the health, safety and wellbeing of everyone involved in the show - from trade stand exhibitors, judges, exhibitors of all sections, sponsors, contractors, members, volunteers, staff, visitors and including the local community - must always be foremost in all our show preparations."

Mr Gaul added: "We will be continuing with our annual cereal growing competition, carcase cattle and butchers’ lambs competition and various other competitions and further details will be published on www.turriffshow.org and our social media channels in due course.

"On behalf of the committee, I would like to thank everyone for their continued invaluable understanding and support of the association especially during these unprecedented times and to all those involved in many ways with the ongoing pandemic.

"Our thoughts go out to every person and business who is currently and has been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

"We look forward to welcoming you back to Turriff Show when it is hopefully safe to do so on Sunday July 31 and Monday August 1 2022 to have the opportunity to catch up with you all in person. Until then - stay safe and look forward to better times ahead."

Turriff Show was established in 1864 and now attracts more than 24,000 visitors annually.

The last time it faced cancellation was during the foot and mouth outbreak in 2001.