Cricklade Show is cancelled (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Cricklade Show is cancelled

11:38am Wednesday 22nd August 2012 in News By Laura Shack

RECENT heavy downpours and a gloomy forecast have forced organisers of the Cricklade Show to cancel this weekend’s event.

The long-standing country show in Cricklade, which was due to go ahead on Bank Holiday Monday, was expected to draw in crowds of thousands.

But organisers said an inspection at Upper Broadleaze Farm on the weekend showed the ground was already wet underfoot.

And with further downpours yesterday, plus a poor forecast for the weekend, the show joined a line of Cotswold events that have become victims of this summer's weather.

Badminton and Gatcombe were called off because of waterlogged ground conditions, so was Fairford Steam Rally. And this week Berkeley Show was also abandoned.

Cricklade town councillor and resident Mark Clarke took over as chairman of the 2012 show earlier this year in attempt to save it from cancellation due to flagging volunteer numbers.

This year’s event was set to boast a host of equestrian competitions with show jumping, dressage and Gymkhana as well as appearances from more exotic animals, such as snakes and meerkats.

TV vet Joe Inglis, who sprang to fame with Vets School and Vets in Practice, was also booked to appear in the showground’s ring to give advice to pet owners.

Mark said it was with deep regret that they had made the decision to call the show off this morning.

“It is organised by a committee of volunteers and a willing band of helpers who, as always, have been working very hard this year in the build up to the Show with a view to making it better than ever,” he said.

“I thank them for all their efforts and share their disappointment.”

Mark said that the decision would create a financial deficit this year but there were sufficient savings to cope with the problem.

He added: “There is no reason why the show should not continue to thrive in 2013 and beyond.”