A series of alternative events will be held in place of the 2021 Dorset County Show after organisers decided not to hold it.

Launching in the summer, the programme of events aims to promote Dorset's renowned agricultural industry, as well as the county's range of high-quality food and craft producers to the public.

Nicki Ralph, chairman of the Dorset County Show, said: "We have made the very regrettable decision not to hold the Dorset County Show this year, due to the uncertainties surrounding Covid-19 restrictions.

"Planning for the 2021 show began in 2020 and we have now reached a critical stage for confirming various elements including contractors and suppliers. Although the vaccination programme is progressing well and the Government has announced its roadmap to recovery, we appreciate things may still be subject to change.

"The safety and welfare of everyone involved in the show remains our top priority and we will therefore be focusing our efforts on hosting a series of 'alternative events' for 2021 in place of our flagship show.

"Our new programme of events allows us to celebrate Dorset agriculture and local produce through a smaller scale format, to ensure health and safety standards are sufficiently managed. We look forward giving the public an opportunity to enjoy many elements they know and love from the Dorset County Show.

"Planning preparations for 2022 will also kick off towards the end of this year, so we'll be working hard to bring back our main event in its fullest form next year."

The programme of events will start at the end of June and include:

• An exclusive members only reception hosted by society presidents Lord and Lady Fellowes
• Dorset Food and Craft Festival, including the Dorset County Show homecraft and horticulture classes
• Dedicated equine show held on the first weekend of September, including national qualifiers
• Sheep dog trials held in their usual location of Cheselborne
• Agricultural machinery demonstration day - view the latest machinery working in live demonstrations
• Ploughing match hosting the usual conventional and reversible plough classes
• Winter livestock show and Christmas market - sheep and cattle, farm produce and seasonal homecraft judging alongside local food and craft stands

All of the above events will be free to attend for all members of Dorchester Agricultural society. More details of these events will be announced shortly.

For more information, visit dorsetcountyshow.co.uk

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