Cancellation of 2021 New Forest and Hampshire County Show
Following a review of the current pandemic and the Government roadmap the board members of the New Forest Agricultural Show Society have made the difficult decision to cancel the 2021 New Forest and Hampshire County Show.
Following the Prime Minister’s announcement on 22nd February 2021, board members held a digital meeting to discuss the 2021 New Forest Show and unanimously agreed they had no option but to cancel the event due to ongoing uncertainties surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. All stakeholders involved with the New Forest Show will be contacted personally within the next couple of days.
The cancellation of two subsequent New Forest Shows has only happened once before in the Show’s 100-year history. No Shows were held between 1940 and 1945 during World War 2. The 2020 event which was also cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic would have marked one hundred years since the very first New Forest Show in 1920.
Martin Stewart Chairman commented, ‘We are all extremely saddened to have come to this decision, but the Society is a Charity and the Show costs well in excess of a million pounds to lay on annually. Whilst we believe we are slowly coming out of lockdown there are still too many things that could delay matters. The final date of the 21st June is the earliest the final restrictions could be lifted; it could be delayed. If the Society were to go ahead and for whatever reason the Show was cancelled (even with 3 months to go) it would bankrupt the Society. The Board unanimously agreed that it was better to protect the long-term survival of the Society than to risk everything in what is still very uncertain times. We know what the Show means to the community, exhibitors, competitors, sponsors, stewards, members and indeed the whole team at the Showground. We are very disappointed but will be back with a vengeance in 2022’.
In a response to requests from Society supporters, the NFASS has created a Centenary fund. Anyone who would like to help secure the future of the New Forest Show is encouraged to do so by donating to the Centenary fund. Donations can be made online via the New Forest Show website – www.newforestshow.co.uk/centenary-fund
Denis Dooley, Chief Executive commented “This was a very difficult decision to make and I am sorry we cannot hold the New Forest & Hampshire County Show this year. The fragile nature of the roadmap alongside the uncertainly over regulations for large events this Summer made planning for the 2021 Show impossible. When coming to the decision the Board were unanimous in their aim to prioritise the long term success of the Show and safety of all those involved. These are both unprecedented and challenging times for the Society and I would encourage anyone who wants to demonstrate their support to contribute towards our Centenary Fund”.
The New Forest & Hampshire County Show will be returning to New Park in 2022 on 26th, 27th and 28th July.
To watch a message from Martin Stewart, Chairman of the New Forest Agricultural Show Society visit: