Dorchester Agricultural Society

It is with a heavy heart that we have to cancel the Dorset County Show on 5th and 6th September 2020. With the Show in its 180th year this year, this decision was incredibly difficult to make. First and foremost, we must put the safety and welfare of our visitors, members, volunteers, exhibitors, staff, and traders above all else. We felt it was impossible to hold a Show of the same quality and standard that members of the community know and love, with social distancing measures in place as they should be. We recognise how disappointing this news will be to many. I myself farm at Winterborne Kingston, July and August are incredibly busy months as harvest is gathered in; we aim to finish harvest by Dorset County Show so we can all celebrate the harvest year before the cycle starts again. The Show also ties into the end of the school holidays, where families can enjoy a social event together before the new school year commences. We must remember that health and safety comes first, and recognise the risks involved with running a Show which sees a significant number of visitors, but we would like to take this opportunity to thank all key workers who continue to work incredibly hard to help us tackle COVID-19. We must help them as much as we can, ensuring we are not causing even more of a strain on all services. On behalf of the Board of Management, I would like to thank you all for the support you have given us over the years, and I am also incredibly grateful to our supporters, committees, volunteers and staff for all the work that has been carried out so far for this year's Show. Preparations are now in place for our 2021 Show and on behalf of everyone at the Dorset County Show, I look forward to welcoming you all then. Together, we will get through these difficult times - keep safe and take care.