Keith Show cancelled due to coronavirus outbreak
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THIS year's Keith Show has been cancelled due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Keith Show chairwoman Angela McWilliam announced the news with a statement this morning.
It said that the show, which was due to take place on August 9 and 10, was cancelled with "huge disappointment" but in the interest of the health of everyone involved.
Ms McWilliam added: "I'm absolutely gutted, I never ever thought I would have to cancel a show but it has been done for public health and we have no alternative.
"We are disappointed for the kids and folk in Keith. It's a big part of their summer holidays and a big part of people's lives.
"We have been holding off on making a decision for as long as possible as we thought we might be able to put on something, if not the two day show.
"But it's going to be a long time before we are allowed to put on anything and it would have been foolish to have thought we could have gone ahead with it.
"We have judges to consider, who are coming from all over country, as well as stall holders, who also come from all over. It is not just a small local event."
The decision to cancel the event early has ensured a return on some of the money forked out for the likes of marquees.
While a lot of cash was deposited earlier this year, the show is in a fine position financially and Ms McWilliam ensured it will be back and better than ever in 2021.
She added: "We will definitely be back next year, as long as this horrible virus is under control.
"It costs us in excess of £125,000 to put the show on and we need folk through the door and to have fundraisers and a stock judging prior to the show.
"But we are not in a precarious financial position – we are in a healthy situation.
"We will be planning for next year's show soon, and will be meeting as soon as we are allowed to."
Ms McWilliam, in her second year as the show's chairwoman, thanked the "tight-knit and hard-working" committee involved with the show for all of their efforts this year.
