Great Yorkshire Show called off (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

Show officials cancel show because of health and safety concerns

8:06am Tuesday 10th July 2012 in News By Malcolm Warne

THE Great Yorkshire Show has fallen victim to the weather, with organisers calling the event off amid safety concerns.

A meeting has just broken up where the state of the showground, near Harrogate was discussed. Earlier all equine competition was called off.

Speaking earlier spokesman said: "A decision has just been made, on safety grounds, due to serious concerns for horses and exhibitors that all equine competitions - ridden and in-hand - on both Wednesday and Thursday have been cancelled."

Thousands of people planning to attend the the show were asked not to attend, after the showground's car parks became waterlogged.

The Yorkshire Agricultural Society said it was the first time in its history, except during the Second World War and the 2001 foot-and-mouth outbreak, that the Harrogate show had been affected.

A spokeswoman for the show, which costs more than £2m to stage, said only advanced ticket holders, members and people who arrive at the ground on a shuttle bus from Harrogate, would be able to attend on the second and third days of the event.

She said: "It is absolutely heartbreaking - we have been working all year to persuade people to come.