RAF Cosford Air Show postponed and Staffordshire County Show cancelled

The air show, which attracts crowds of more than 50,000 people and takes place in June, is still set to go ahead at an as-yet undecided future date but the County Show has been cancelled altogether.

A statement from the organisers of the Cosford Air Show said: ""The success of the air show relies on many organisations coming together to provide a safe and enjoyable show, given the timescale and current situation we cannot guarantee normality by June.

"We must also accept that our emergency services need to concentrate on the matter in hand and not be distracted by non-essential activity such as air show support.

"Although we are disappointed to be in this position, we believe it is the right decision to protect the health and well-being of our visitors and serving personnel; this is, and always will be, our top priority.

"We want to reassure customers who have purchased tickets that they will be valid for the new date which is still to be arranged. Customers who cannot make the new date will be able to use their tickets for the 2021 show.

"There will be a refund process in place for those who wish to cancel completely. Please be patient whilst we set this process up."

Organisers urged customers not to call but to message them through Facebook or email admin@cosfordairshow.co.uk.

County Show organisers 'extremely sorry'

Meanwhile organisers of the County Show, which would have taken place at the Weston Road Showground on May 27 and 28, said the decision to cancel was taken as early as possible to minimise disruption for those planning to attend.

There has been a County Show every year since 1800 except during the war years and on two occasions following outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease.

From 1800 until the mid 1950s the show was held at various towns in Staffordshire and moved to its present permanent home in 1956.

Richard Williams, chief executive of the Staffordshire and Birmingham Agricultural Society, said: “The decision was taken after a great deal of thought and discussion but we believe it is the right one and we will now be focussing all our attention on the 2021 show on June 2 and 3.

“We are extremely sorry that the show will not take place this year and apologise to all those people who were looking forward to it but the decision was not taken lightly and we feel sure people will understand.

“It is clear from all the available information that the pandemic is going to get worse over the coming weeks.

“We have listened carefully to the Government advice and have taken into consideration the possibility of further general restrictions being imposed in the days and weeks ahead. In consequence we believe cancellation was the difficult but common sense option.”

Mr Williams urged all involved to support each other at this difficult time and assured everyone that the show staff would be in touch with traders, sponsors and ticket holders as soon as possible.

“We have been receiving an unprecedented number of calls to the office. We hope this statement will offer relief for some as uncertainty just adds to people’s anxiety at times like this. We will be in touch with all as soon as possible.

“I would like to thank everyone involved in the show for their hard work and the work which will be carried out in the coming weeks and months,” he added.

Last year’s show reached record heights with the highest number of entries in sheep and cattle competitions in recent history. There were almost 800 entries to exhibit sheep, nearly 300 cattle and also increased numbers in horse, dog and goat entries.

The event normally boasts a packed Grand Ring programme alongside a variety of family entertainment, food, a range of music, crafts, 400 trade stands and a full itinerary for visitors to the popular Woodfest and Country Pursuit areas.