ELLINGHAM Show has been cancelled after the delay in the lockdown roadmap.

It had been due to take place on August 14.

The popular event usually attracts thousands of people to the showground at Somerley Park, near Ringwood.

Chairman of the Ellingham and Ringwood Agricultural Society Steve Thompson said: “We have done all we possibly could to keep the flame alive, and owe a huge vote of thanks to our volunteers, to our loyal members and supporters and to our key suppliers who have stuck with us.

“But the Government announcement on Monday 14th June left us with no choice.

“Although we’ve repeatedly said, “We will if we can”, the sad truth now is that we can’t.

“It’s too big a financial gamble for our charity’s hard-won reserves, the ongoing Covid situation remains unpredictable, and it would be incredibly difficult to stage the full show we love – in the way we love it – if we left the decision until July 19.

“So, very sadly we have had to decide, this year’s show won’t be happening.

“Our focus is now on our 2022 show – which will be held on August 13 at our traditional showground at Somerley Park.

“It will be our 75th anniversary year, so we have every intention of coming back with a bang.”

The popular country show was also cancelled in 2019 due to adverse weather.

It follows the cancellation of another popular Hampshire event, the Romsey Show earlier this week.

The event, which normally takes place at Broadlands Park, was also cancelled last year due to the coronavirus pandemic.