ORGANISERS of a top English agricultural show say it will go ahead as planned next month.

The news about the Great Yorkshire Show comes despite most remaining coronavirus restrictions in England staying place until July 19.

Show organisers, the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, had previously said they were waiting to hear from public health officials about whether the event could go ahead as originally envisaged.

But a spokesperson told The Scottish Farmer: “We are delighted to announce that the Great Yorkshire Show will take place as planned despite the delay to ending coronavirus restrictions. The Great Yorkshire Show was planned under social distancing measures and we are continuing to work closely with North Yorkshire County Council Public Health to deliver a Covid-safe show.

“We are discussing some of the details which may require additional measures to be put in place. We have already adapted the show so that most of it is held outdoors this year and it’s been extended to run over four days for the first time in its history.”

A full list of the measures can be found at https://greatyorkshireshow.co.uk/guidance/

The Great Yorkshire Show is due to be held in Harrogate from July 13 to 16 and online ticket sales started on June 1.

However, the dates of the event were unveiled when it was thought that most remaining coronavirus-related restrictions would be lifted in England from June 21.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Monday evening that the majority of the remaining restrictions would stay in force in England until July 19 – just after the dates of the show.

The society had previously said it was continuing 'to await confirmation from NYCC (North Yorkshire County Council) Public Health that we can deliver this year’s Great Yorkshire Show as planned'. It now appears that agreement has been reached, allowing the society to confirm that the show will go ahead as planned.

In March, the show’s director, Charles Mills, told The Scottish Farmer he hoped 'to run as near to normal a show as possible', though he added 'The most important thing is that we have a safe show.'

Mr Mills said the decision to plan to hold the show this July was greatly influenced by the crucial role the show played in reducing isolation and boosting mental wellbeing, adding: “We think it is very important to hold the show for the social interaction of farmers and people who live in the countryside.”