A RURAL business organisation has spoken about the cancellation of a popular Newbury event.
Those who represent businesses that participate Berkshire County Show, an annual food and farming festival which takes place every September, announced on March 20 that this year's event will not be running in light of the coronavirus outbreak.
In light of continuing developments in relation to COVID-19 Coronavirus, after careful consideration, we have, with heavy hearts, made the decision to cancel the Royal County of Berkshire Show for 2020. Click on the link below to read our full statement:https://t.co/YnzCEBZuLe pic.twitter.com/PIsby4x40r
— Berkshire Show (@Berkshire_show) March 20, 2020
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Responding to the cancellation of the Berkshire County Show, Country Land and Business Association (CLA) regional director Michael Valenzia said: "The Berkshire County Show is a flagship event in the agricultural calendar and to hear that it won’t go ahead in September as planned is sad to hear, but entirely understandable given the current national situation with the coronavirus outbreak.
"The health and safety of everyone involved must come first.
"Many rural businesses rely on the show as an opportunity to demonstrate their fantastic products and services to thousands of people in the region."
"The CLA is supporting its members, who are a range of farmers, landowners and rural businesses, through this difficult time with the latest advice and information regarding coronavirus.
"We are also holding regular calls with government officials and lobbying on issues the industry needs to be reviewed to support them through these uncertain times.
"The rural sector is exceptionally resilient however, having faced more than its share of adversity in the past.
"I have every confidence the Berkshire County Show will bounce back and we can’t wait to be part of it once again."
CLA South East represents thousands of landowners, farmers and rural businesses in Berkshire and across the region.
For more information about the CLA and its work, visit www.cla.org.uk/your-area/south-east/regional-news.
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