Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show to reunite the rural Community safely over 2 days in 2021
The Board of Management of the charity behind the Show, The Gillingham & Shaftesbury Agricultural Society is pleased to announce the decision for the 2021 Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show to be held over two days on Wednesday 18th and Thursday 19th August for the first time ever to ensure the Shows safe return during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The decision allows the Show to spilt visitor numbers over the two days complying with social distancing and all event regulation requirements come August.
We announce this decision during these dark days of lockdown with our best intentions at heart. The Show for over a hundred years has brought together the community and celebrated the very best of the Great British Countryside. Today, we bring you hope and optimism that better days will come. If you are a Visitor we will provide you with a safe and enjoyable family day out this summer. As a farmer we will bring back your networking event offering you the opportunity to meet buyers, suppliers, machinery dealers and of course fellow farmers after an isolated year. If you are a business currently struggling during lockdown we will reopen our gates this summer and put you, the producer in contact with the consumer. We are proud to play our part in the recovery of our region’s economy and will do our bit by offering businesses a discounted rate to Trade at the 2021 Show, not only to assist with the costs associated with a two day Show but to help those businesses that have suffered over the past year.
The Show has looked at a number of options prior to this decision; months upon months under ever changing rules have been spent evaluating how we make a safe return under the new normal. While we hope like many that the vaccine roll out means normality resumes by August we as a business and charity must be prepared for all eventualities and therefore have taken the only decision possible other than cancellation, one that allows us to ensure our return with or without COVID-19 restrictions and social distancing. The Show will be a COVID Secure and compliant event and will meet all regulations provided by Government and Local Authorities at the time of the Show. The health and safety of our visitors, competitors, stewards, members and community are our highest priorities, you are the Show.
To manage our safe return there will be a number of changes these include a strict capacity plan meaning that for now there will be a limited number of Tickets with none available to purchase on the day. Some competitive classes may unfortunately not be able to go ahead. Livestock and equine classes will be spilt over the two days with livestock only to attend on the day or night before their class. Strict cleaning protocols throughout, less marquees, wider avenues, sanitising and handwashing stations will be in place. However, with changes come new exciting areas like the Food & Drink Area featuring picnic tipis surrounded by mouth-watering local artisan producers. While we live through a time of regulations and rules, just like any year we are dedicated to being an entertaining, relaxed rural day out for the whole family showcasing our traditions, heritage and modern life in Agriculture and the Countryside along with the craftsman within it.
The Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show has survived world wars, recessions and as many know the Great British weather, 2021 we are certainly ready for you. We will continue to update you on planning over the coming months as we prepare for the safe and gradual reopening of the gates to the Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show on Wednesday 18th and Thursday 19th August 2021. Shortly, a limited number of Early Bird Tickets will go on sale and Trade Stand Opportunities for businesses will open.
In the meantime, from all of us here at the Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show we wish you the very best during these difficult times. Stay Safe and we look forward to welcoming you back on Wednesday 18th and Thursday 19th August 2021.
Thank you.
