Derbyshire county show canceled after heavy rain and flooding at venue

This year’s Derbyshire County Show has been canceled due to wet conditions.

The Elvaston Showground is underwater following heavy rain over the weekend and further downpours overnight.

Up to 10,000 people were expected at the annual event on Sunday.

Edward Hicklin, chairman of the Derbyshire Agricultural and Horticultural Society, said the decision to cancel was “really difficult” but unavoidable.

The 120-acre site was hit by heavy rain Tuesday evening, leaving standing water on most of the ground.

Mr Hicklin said: “All the ditches have overflowed, the car parks are in standing water, the light horse rings are full of water and where the 600 sheep should have been is water stagnant.”

More than 500 horses were expected to attend the show, which is in its 142nd year, along with 100 cattle, 120 trade stands and 40 food and beverage outlets.

Mr Hicklin said: “We have a responsibility to all our exhibitors and the public to put on an enjoyable and safe show, this is simply not the right thing to do.”

“We looked at temporary road surfaces, but it’s too late for that and we simply don’t have the money.”

The organizers indicated that they would contact exhibitors, traders and sponsors in due course.

All tickets and season tickets already purchased will be automatically credited to the original payment method within the next 7 days.

Mr Hicklin said: “This is going to be a huge financial loss for the company. »