AN annual show in the Yorkshire Dales has been cancelled due to the coronavirus epidemic.

Kilnsey Show & Sports, the traditional finale to the annual Yorkshire Dales agricultural show season, has, as widely anticipated, fallen victim to Covid-19.

However, the good news is that the organisers, Upper Wharfedale Agricultural Society, are actively exploring avenues in the hope that the show can go on in at least some format this year by staging online classes for various sections, including the keynote sheep and cattle divisions.

First staged almost 125 years ago in 1897, Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee year, Kilnsey Show has been cancelled only twice in its long history – once due to war and in 2001 because of foot and mouth. Staged in the shadow of the famous Kilnsey Crag, the annual highlight has grown to become one of the country’s largest and most popular one-day agricultural shows

The 123rd event was due to take place this year on Tuesday, September 1, but in a letter to officials and members, show chairman Chris Windle said: “Regretfully, but perhaps not surprisingly, the management committee have had to make the decision to cancel this year’s show.

“It has become increasingly clear that large gatherings of people are unlikely to be allowed for some time yet and in the interests of the health and safety of our members, exhibitors, visitors and the residents of Kilnsey, we have taken the sad decision that the show simply cannot take place safely in its usual format.

“We very much hope to be able to hold some online classes for various sections this year. Our stewards are currently formulating a plan as to how this might work, and we will announce what we intend to do on our website at www.kilnseyshow.co.uk, as well as via our social media channels.”

Mr Windle announced that the date for the 2021 Kilnsey Show & Sports had already been set for Tuesday, August 31.

He said: “We can only hope and pray that by then we can welcome everyone back to this great event, which continues to shine the spotlight on the cream of local farming, rural life, food and produce, arts and crafts – a traditional ever-popular Dales agricultural show that connects our country communities with the wider general population."