KEIGHLEY Show has been cancelled for a second year due to the pandemic.

Organisers of the annual extravaganza had hoped that with lockdown restrictions easing, it may have been possible to go ahead with this year’s event.

But Keighley & District Agricultural Society says that although the show – held at Marley playing fields on the first Saturday in September – is among the last on the farming calendar, too much uncertainty still shrouds the coming months.

A spokesman said: “Each show takes many months of planning and arranging – such as booking show-day services, trade stands and attractions, and encouraging our hundreds of exhibitors to get something ready to enter in the many competition classes.

“Therefore we have to make a decision now on whether or not to go ahead, based on the information we have to hand, rather than trying to look into a crystal ball to see what things might look like by September.

“After discussing all the pros and cons in great detail and taking all things into consideration – with particular attention being paid to the safety, health and wellbeing of our visitors, exhibitors, members, volunteers and supporters – it is with a very heavy heart that the society has come to the tough decision that we shall have to cancel this year’s show.

“As a registered charity, we also have an obligation to protect the society financially.

“We do not have the funds available to risk spending the large sums of money needed to stage the show when there is still so much uncertainty surrounding the next few months.

“We want all our supporters to remember Keighley Show as being a great day out – and we feel that a scaled-down event would not serve this purpose.

“But, fear not, we have every intention of being back with a bigger and better show on Saturday, September 3, 2022, and look forward to seeing everyone then!”

The society would like to hear from anyone interested in joining the committee to help organise next year’s show, or anybody wishing to volunteer support.

“We are always looking for new volunteers,” said the spokesman.

“In particular we are seeking someone to take over the reins of our very popular horse section, and we also require a show secretary/contact point.

“Along with these two positions we are always very appreciative of offers of help with any aspect of the show and for setting-up and taking down on the day itself. Contact details can be found at keighleyshow.co.uk.”