The organisers of the Great Yorkshire Show, currently the largest agricultural show in England, have decided to cancel the event on the evening of the first day. The show, which opened yesterday in Harrogate, has never before been cancelled due to weather concerns in its 154 year history, organisers said.

However, after extremely heavy rains affecting North Yorkshire, organisers felt that further deluges at the showground had given rise to concerns about the site’s safety. Yorkshire Agricultural Society, which organises the show, has said the decision to cancel was “heartbreaking”.

In a statement made yesterday YAS announced, “After three months of unprecedented rainfall we have had to take the difficult decision to cancel the Great Yorkshire Show on the evening of the first day; after suffering a further 30 minute deluge this afternoon. Sadly the car parks cannot now be used to park cars safely and so we simply can’t continue. This is a heartbreaking decision for everyone who loves the Great Yorkshire Show and is involved in making it so special.”

Visitors who had purchased tickets in advance will be refunded or able to use their ticket at the 2013 show, YAS said on its website. All entry fees for livestock exhibitors will be refunded and YAS said it will be contacting traders and sponsors “shortly.”

Show Director Bill Cowling said, “This has been the most difficult decision that I have ever had to make. It is heartbreaking for all concerned, our exhibitors, our visitors and, of course, our staff. The decision has been made because our car parks have become too muddy to use with any safety, and the safety of our visitors has to come first. We are also conscious of our neighbours and did not want to risk people parking inconsiderately in Harrogate. We will be refunding all those who have bought tickets in advance and talking to our exhibitors.”

Car parking spaces were reduced on Tuesday due to waterlogged conditions and “Extensive preparations were made to combat the wet weather,” according to YAS, including the installation of new roads and new drainage systems. Nevertheless, Mr Cowling said that, ultimately, “We have had more rain in the last month than ever before. Our showground is robust and has held up well, but if we cannot park cars safely then to cancel is a most difficult decision, but it is the right one.”

The decision has been criticised by exhibitors and traders, many of whom are concerned about potential losses; some have said that the decision should have been made before attendees arrived at the showground and traders had set up their stalls; one Yorkshire farmer described yesterday’s announcement as a "poor half-way house".

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