Coronavirus: South of England Agricultural Society cancels events but plans to keep venue open

Events set to be held at the South of England Showground have been cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Coronavirus EMN-200317-143838001Coronavirus EMN-200317-143838001
Coronavirus EMN-200317-143838001

The board of trustees of the South of England Agricultural Society has announced that it has cancelled its Spring Live! event, set to take place on May 2 and 3, and the South of England Show, originally planned for June 11, 12, and 13.

However, it has also announced plans to keep the South of England Showground open for the time being, despite concerns about public spaces during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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The board of trustees and directors of the event centre confirmed that the venue remains available to hire subject to events meeting current government advice.

The society hopes to proceed with its Autumn Show and Game Fair on October 3 and 4, and its Winter Fair on November 21 and 22.

All existing exhibitor bookings, ticket purchases and sponsorship will remain in place and be transferred automatically to next year or to alternative dates and we will be contacting key stakeholders including exhibitors, ticket holders, sponsors and others involved in our events over the coming days and weeks.

Michael Valenzia is the regional director of Country Land and Business Association (CLA) South East, which represents thousands of landowners, farmers and rural businesses in Sussex and across the region.

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He said: “The South of England Show is a flagship event in the agricultural calendar and to hear that it won’t go ahead in June as planned is sad to hear, but entirely understandable given the current national situation with the coronavirus outbreak. The health and safety of everyone involved must come first.

“Many rural businesses rely on the show as an opportunity to demonstrate their fantastic products and services to thousands of people in the region.

“The CLA is supporting its members, who are a range of farmers, landowners and rural businesses, through this difficult time with the latest advice and information regarding coronavirus. We are also holding regular calls with government officials and lobbying on issues the industry needs to be reviewed to support them through these uncertain times.

“The rural sector is exceptionally resilient however, having faced more than its share of adversity in the past. I have every confidence the South of England Show will bounce back and we can’t wait to be part of it once again.”

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