Thousands expected to attend Warwickshire's Royal Show

Jul 3 2009

A 170-year-old agricultural show is expected to attract 100,000 visitors when the gates open for the final time next weekin Warwickshire.

The Royal Show has been hit in recent years by the foot-and-mouth disaster in 2001, flooding in 2007 and the arrival of bluetongue in the UK.

The Royal Agricultural Society of England (RASE) headquarters in Stoneleigh will host the last show, which starts on July 7, after falling visitor numbers meant the event was "no longer economically viable", the organisation said.

The annual agricultural event dates back to 1839, when it was first held in Oxford, and has become a key fixture in the British farming calendar.

It has taken place on an annual basis ever since, except for during both World Wars and disease outbreaks, but this year's show, the 160th, will be the last.

Chairman of Trustees, Hugh Oliver-Bellasis, said: "In the aftermath of the foot-and-mouth disaster in 2001, closely followed by very bad weather two years ago and bluetongue last year, the event has struggled - both financially and in its ability to attract both farming and non-farming visitors.

"Today's dire worldwide economic crisis is an added challenge, thus the Trustees have concluded that the Royal Show is no longer economically viable."

But he urged people to come to the final show between July 7 and 10, enjoy the livestock, horses, technical features and shopping and "bid a fond farewell to an event that has long been held in great affection by farmers and others who work and live in the British countryside".

In spite of the Royal Show's end, organisers at RASE believe this year's event will be the biggest and best in recent years.

Denis Chamberlain, RASE marketing director, said: "There will be a really special buzz around the showground, because this is the last show. Exhibitors are travelling from across the country and beyond to vie for a chance to take home a piece of history - and win one of the last prestigious 'Royal' rosettes. We are determined to give everyone a great show."