Large crowds expected at last Royal Show (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

Large crowds expected at last Royal Show

11:08am Friday 3rd July 2009

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THE last ever Royal Show is expected to attract 100,000 visitors next week.

The three day event was first held in 1839 but the Royal Agricultural Society of England (RASE) organisers say it is "no longer economically viable."

The aftermath of the 2001 foot and mouth outbreak, followed by two years of bad weather and last year's bluetongue restrictions have hit visitor and exhibitor numbers.

Hugh Oliver-Bellasis, chairman of the trustees, said: "Todays dire worldwide economic crisis is an added challenge, thus the trustees have concluded that the Royal Show is no longer economically viable."

The 160th and final show takes place at Stoneleigh, Warwickshire, from Tuesday to Friday next week.

o Meanwhile the 2009 Great Yorkshire Show has more competitive entries than ever before.

The 12,189 compare to the previous best of 11,789 two years ago before last year's bluetongue restrictions.

Bill Cowling, show director, said it was an amazing total. "It is very evident that there is a huge enthusiasm for the Great Yorkshire Show, and indeed for rural life generally," he said.

The 151st show takes place at the Harrogate showground from July 14 to July 16.

Ends.

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