Great Yorkshire Show Cancelled

10 July 2012, 19:48 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

After just one day bosses at the great yorkshrie show have cancelled the event because the rain has left to car park too muddy.

It’s the first time the show had been cancelled due to weather in 154 years.

Bosses say advance tickets will be refunded and no-one should try and get to the Harrogate showground.

The decision was made because the car park is not suitable.

Over 115,000 people were expected at the show.

People were told not to drive to the first day of the show and to use shuttle bus.

People can either get a refund or keep their tickets and use them at next years show.

A statement on their website said "After 3 months of unprecedented rainfall we have had to take the difficult decision to cancel the Great Yorkshire Show on the evening of the first day; after suffering a a further 30 minute deluge this afternoon. 

"Sadly the car parks cannot now be used to park cars safely and so we simply can’t continue. This is a heartbreaking decision for everyone who loves the Great Yorkshire Show and is involved in making it so special."

Announcing the news Show Director Bill Cowling said: “This has been the most difficult decision that I have ever had to make. It is heartbreaking for all concerned, our exhibitors, our visitors and, of course, our staff.

"The decision has been made because our car parks have become too muddy to use with any safety, and the safety of our visitors has to come first.

"We are also conscious of our neighbours and did not want to risk people parking inconsiderately in Harrogate.

"We will be refunding all those who have bought tickets in advance and talking to our exhibitors.”

"This is the 154th Great Yorkshire Show and it was hoped that more than 130,000 visitors would attend, but unprecedented amounts of rain have made that impossible.

"Extensive preparations were made to combat the wet weather, including installing new roads and new drainage systems.

“We have had more rain in the last month than ever before. Our showground is robust and has held up well, but if we cannot park cars safely then to cancel is a most difficult decision, but it is the right one,” said Mr Cowling.