The iconic Royal Bath and West Show will become a three day event from 2020 amid mounting concerns over a 'strain on resources'.
For years the show has been England’s only four-day agricultural event, but the society which runs it now feels the time is right to consolidate it into three days.
The four-day show, which takes place in Mallet, Somerset, has become a 'concern' and a 'challenge' for stakeholders, traders and exhibitors.
“We have been considering the duration of the show for a number of years,” explains Royal Bath & West Society chief executive Rupert Cox.
“We have consulted with our key stakeholders; traders and exhibitors, and have responded to their concerns with regard to servicing a four-day show, which we know is becoming a challenge for many of them.
He said that as a 240-year old agricultural charity it is 'imperative' that it 'continually evolves'.
The society proposes to hold the event in the same Whitsun week that it has done for years, but to run from Thursday 28th May to Saturday 30th May 2020.
“We believe that we will be able to improve the quality of our show while increasing the content for our visitors,” Mr Cox says.
Cattle and sheep exhibitor Vicky Smith said the four-day event meant an extra day off work for her, which is lost income.
“Although the show was spread out well over the four days, that extra day really does make a difference,” she explains.
“For us it means an extra day off work, which is lost income, while for exhibitors that pay staff it will be a saving. I think it may encourage more exhibitors.”
Garden and agricultural equipment dealer SJH Machinery agrees: “We have been saying for a couple of years now that the show would be better over three days,” says managing director Steve Hale.
“Taking four days out of the business at what is the height of our season can be particularly challenging.”
