After months of deliberation, Armagh County Agricultural Show organisers have announced the cancellation of the 2021 show.
The much-loved county show was due to take place on June 12, 2021.
With hundreds of volunteers, competitors and traders, the one-day agricultural event typically welcomes over 15,000 visitors.
Chairman George McCall explained: “It is with a very heavy heart that we have taken this difficult decision, but with lockdown still in place and restrictions only slowly easing, we do not want to take the unnecessary risk of putting on a large event that may jeopardise the health of our community and the safety of our committee and volunteers.
It takes several months of intense work to organise an event of this scale, but with the uncertainty of how long it will take to get back to some form of normality, it is just not possible to run the show this year.
“We are deeply sorry for the disappointment this will cause, but we are sure everyone understands that protecting our community and visitors is our number one priority.”
One of Ireland’s longest-running shows
The Armagh County Agricultural Show is one of the longest-running shows in Ireland with reports of the show being held in the city of Armagh as far back as 1829.
It has only been cancelled a handful of times: During each world war; and for the first Foot and Mouth outbreak.
The show has enjoyed a resurgence in recent years since it moved to Gosford Forest Park, which is owned by the Armagh Banbridge and Craigavon Council.
With good road links from the north and south and extensive parking and interesting attractions, it a popular destination for families and the farming community on the second Saturday of June every year.
McCall added: “We certainly hope to celebrate our anniversary show next year.
“With a two-year break behind us, we will all have something very exciting to look forward to and believe me it will be absolutely spectacular.”
