Organisers move to cancel this year's Heckington Show

With Prime Minister Boris Johnson outlining his possible timeline for easing restrictions on the coronavirus lockdown, organisers have announced that this year's Heckington Show is to be cancelled.
By Andy Hubbert
Published 11th May 2020, 09:55 BST
Updated 11th May 2020, 10:18 BST
No events will be appearing in the main ring at Heckington Show this year after its cancellation due to the coronavirus pandemic.No events will be appearing in the main ring at Heckington Show this year after its cancellation due to the coronavirus pandemic.
No events will be appearing in the main ring at Heckington Show this year after its cancellation due to the coronavirus pandemic.

In a statement issued directly after the Prime Minister's televised address to the nation, chairman of the show committee, Charles Pinchbeck cleared up any doubt about whether the event would be going ahead this July.

He said: "It is with sadness that the organisers of Heckington Show have today announced the cancellation of this year’s Heckington Show due to the ongoing global pandemic of Coronavirus (COVID-19)."

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He said that certain competitions will be moved online, but no event will actually take place on the showground.

Charles Pinchbeck, chairman of the Heckington and District Agricultural Society- organisers of the Heckington Show.Charles Pinchbeck, chairman of the Heckington and District Agricultural Society- organisers of the Heckington Show.
Charles Pinchbeck, chairman of the Heckington and District Agricultural Society- organisers of the Heckington Show.

Mr Pinchbeck continued: "This has been a difficult decision to make, but it has become clear that the impact of Covid-19 on mass gatherings will not have abated sufficiently to allow the show to go ahead safely."

The two-day show regularly attracts over 30,000 visitors each year from across the county and beyond. It is the country’s largest village show and is organised by Heckington and District Agricultural Society - a charity run by volunteers.

In a previous interview Mr Pinchbeck had said that as the national pictured changed, the committee could have delayed a decision until mid to late June, with much of the organisation already complete, but he said yesterday: "We understand that this is disappointing news for everyone who enjoys the show, but we feel that it is the responsible decision to take. Our priority remains as always, the health and safety of our visitors, exhibitors, volunteers and the village.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"We are keen that the 'spirit of the show' continues in these difficult times. We will be holding competitions online where possible and continuing with the decorated house competition."

Further details on that will be announced on their website on May 24.

Heckington and District Agricultural Society will be in touch with all exhibitors, sponsors and competition entrants with details of how to access refunds. Everyone will be contacted by the end of May and they are asked to be patient due to reduced availability of volunteers.

Mr Pinchbeck added: "The organisers would like to thank the public, traders, competitors and sponsors for their understanding, patience and ongoing support during this period of uncertainty and what is an unprecedented situation."

The next Heckington Show will be held on July 24 and 25 2021 and organisers looked forward to welcoming people then.

To find out more visit www.heckingtonshow.org.uk

Related topics:Boris JohnsonOrganisersPrime MinisterCovid-19