Should Heckington Show still go ahead?

Since social distancing rules were imposed, organisers of the Swaton Vintage Day, along with the Lincolnshire Show - both set to take place in June, as well as the Revesby Country Fair have announced they will not be going ahead.

However Heckington Show leaders stated on the day the national lockdown was announced: “There is no current reason to rule out the possibility of having a show, so the volunteer team are busy making sure everything is ready for the show to take place if it is safe to do so.

“To support businesses we are only requiring a 20 per cent deposit for future trade stands instead of the full amount on booking, refundable if the show is cancelled.”

All fees, tickets and deposits would be refunded in full if the lockdown was extended.

However, many disagreed with the announcement on the show’s Facebook page. One said: “Sorry, but I think this is the wrong choice. Much as I love the show it would make more sense for this to be put on hold this year rather than invest time and money that may be better spent helping people in the current situation.”

Another commented: “This is completely sending out the wrong message to the public.”

Others welcomed the optimism, feeling it would be something to look forward to.

Chairman of the show, Charles Pinchbeck defended the decision, saying: “We are over three months away from the show date and the world is changing very quickly and so we are monitoring advice.

“We can leave our final decision until the end of June.”

He said most exhibitors and entertainers are already booked and as the team putting on the show is larger than most, they can rapidly move to set it up in three weeks, whereas others have to spread work out over the year.

The show has suffered in the previous two years with a freak tornado and then torrential rains turning the site to a swamp, but Mr Pinchbeck said this is all factored into their reserves and so did not believe they would suffer unduly financially.

He said: “It is what we sign up for as trustees, supporting the community by putting on a show. We are not setting out to do something reckless or dangerous. We are saying if it is safe to do it, we will. and then people have the choice to come or not.

“If we are allowed to have a show I think people will really appreciate it, but if guidance says not then of course we will not.”