This year's Great Dorset Steam Fair (GDSF) has been cancelled with "much regret and sadness".

The event was due to go ahead from August 26 to 30 after also being cancelled in 2020.

However, organisers have announced that "all of our efforts will now turn to putting on a fabulous show in 2022", the dates of which are August 25 to 29.

Martin Oliver, managing director of GDSF, said: "We have continued to closely monitor the coronavirus pandemic over the past few weeks, and whilst the ongoing vaccination programme is progressing well and should be commended, it has nevertheless become increasingly evident - as in 2020 - that it is unfeasible to run the GDSF event again this year.

"This has been a very difficult decision to make, however, as our pre-planning for the 2021 event has now reached a critical stage - with March being the key deadline for confirming major contracts - we have no other option than to make the decision now to not continue with the event this year and focus our efforts on the 2022 show."

Despite the Prime Minister's announcement yesterday (Monday) and the Government's roadmap to ease lockdown restrictions, directors still face uncertainty as to what restrictions will still be in place for August for large-scale, high-capacity gatherings like GDSF.

Mr Oliver added: "The Prime Minister also stressed that he is being driven by data and not dates and therefore the timeline of the roadmap is not guaranteed.

"Sadly, the risk is simply too great for us to return this year, it would be an enormous health and safety, operational and financial gamble which we cannot justify. Our priority therefore has to be to safeguard the viability of the event for future years and by not risking running in 2021, this will enable us to return in 2022.

"Ultimately, the safety and wellbeing of our visitors, exhibitors, traders, staff and contractors is always our primary concern, combined with the effect to the local area, towns, parishes and residents.

"We are also very conscious of the impact that the event would have on the NHS, emergency services, local authority and partner agencies and we do not want to unnecessarily stretch their resources any further this year.

"We offer our sincere apologies to all involved and I can assure you that we at the GDSF are equally as disheartened and disappointed that for a second consecutive year there will be no show. However, not running the show again this year is the right and responsible thing to do on all counts."

Tickets and camping bookings for 2022 will be on sale by Christmas this year and those who previously booked tickets for the cancelled 2020 event and have not yet requested a refund, these bookings will remain valid for the GDSF event in 2022. Those who would now prefer a refund should email [email protected] quoting their order number.

Mr Oliver said: "In the meantime, I can announce one bit of good news for 2021 - Steam Fair FM will once again be broadcasting nationwide throughout the original show period - up to bank holiday Monday - with lots of news about the show, more archive recordings, big prize competitions and dedications for your friends and family. Last year's broadcast was a great success and we'll be letting you know more about this in due course.

"I would like to take this opportunity of personally thanking you all for your continued support of the GDSF during these difficult times, we can assure you that it is very much appreciated."

To keep up-to-date with the latest GDSF news, follow the event's Facebook page.

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