THE district's largest agricultural show will not take place this year.

After months of deliberation, Tynedale Agricultural Society has announced they will not be running the much-loved Northumberland County Show, due to be held May 31.

The show’s chairman Robert Raine, a farmer from East Woodburn, explained: "It is with a very heavy heart that we have taken this difficult decision but with another lockdown in place and no sign of restrictions easing, we felt we could not take the risk to public health and the safety of our volunteers and staff."

The one-day event, held in Bywell Hall, near Stocksfield, usually welcomes over 26,000 visitors from across the North-East and Cumbria, as well as Yorkshire, Scotland and further afield.

Mr Raine added: "It takes several months of intense work to organise an event of this scale, but with the uncertainty of how long it will take to get back to some form of normality, it is just not possible to run the show this year. We are deeply sorry for the disappointment this will cause but we are sure everyone understands that protecting our community and visitors is our number one priority."

The show, which has been held in various locations and under different names since the 1830's, has only been cancelled a handful of times, including during each World War and for the Foot and Mouth outbreak of 2001.

But maintaining a positive outlook, Mr Raine said the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations next year were a "perfect platform for an extra special" show, which in a break with tradition, will be held Friday, June 3 2022.

Any questions regarding the Northumberland County Show's cancellation can be directed to info@northcountyshow.co.uk. The office team is working very limited hours but will respond as soon as able.