Organisers have announced that the Ripley Show 2021 has been cancelled.

In a statement revealed via the Ripley Show website, organisers have said it would be “near impossible” to comply with conditions around social distancing.

Ripley and District Agricultural and Horticultural Show Ltd, who put the show together each year, had previously been optimistic that they wouldn’t be forced to cancel the event for a second consecutive year.

However, due to the nature of the show and with the health and safety of visitors in mind, the event will no longer go ahead as planned.

The statement said:

“Whilst the positive road map to exit lockdown, successful vaccine roll-out program and falling case numbers provided some optimism that the show could go ahead, the proposed conditions are near impossible to comply with on the showground.

“We’ve explored every avenue possible to keep Ripley Show in the calendar. However, the health, safety and welfare of all who are involved in the Event, or come to enjoy it, is our number one priority.

“Due to the nature of the show, it is impossible to enforce social distancing reasonably and as a result it could not be the competitive, social and informative event we know and love.”

Chairman Michael Smith said:

“The committee and I are deeply disappointed to admit defeat, despite our best efforts. We are proud of our fantastic show and giving our visitors and competitors the experience they have come to know and love over the last 170+ years.

“Sadly we can’t guarantee a Covid-secure showground and feel it would be unwise for us to go ahead.”

Organisers are hoping to welcome back visitors for the Ripley Show on August 14th 2022.

Read more local stories from Your Harrogate here.