ORGANISERS of a popular family show have been forced to cancel the event after heavy rain waterlogged the showfield.

Blanchland and Hunstanworth Show was due to take place on Bank Holiday Monday, and is always a hit with families in the area.

But this week the committee made the decision to cancel the show, due to the flooding on the field. General secretary Amy Ralph said that although the weather was forecast to be good on Monday the field would not have dried enough in time for the grass to be cut before the show.

This is the third big event in the district to be cancelled this month due to weather, following Slaley Show and Northumberland Classic Vehicle Gathering.

While the organisers are expecting to lose around £8,500 due to the cancellation, they are still holding a smaller gathering within Blanchland Sports Club. There will be a live band and food vendors, while the grand raffle will take place as usual with hopes that it will help recoup some of the funds lost.

While the normal competitive classes will be cancelled, one will remain which is the photographic entry for a front cover for Blanchland and Hunstanworth Show Schedule for 2020. Up to two entries can be submitted per person and they can also be submitted by post to any of the addresses listed on the show schedule.

Amy added: “I think this is only the second time it has been cancelled, and we have been going for 178 years.”