Climate Change is Altering Plans for Next Year's East of England Show

Another example of how the change in our weather patterns is affecting the social calendar during the year came to light during the last week. A short while ago we were blogging about the Bridgwater Festival, one of the biggest carnival events of the autumn season, and describing how the number of floats was smaller because of greater problems in raising funds.

This question surfaced again, when we featured the outrageously popular “blazing tar barrels” of Ottery St. Mary where it was shown in some detail how poor weather conditions had impacted greatly on fund raising events.

Now, we hear that the organisers of the high profile East of England Show held in Peterborough in July are being forced to sit down and reconsider where the show goes from here following a pretty disastrous year with significant losses having been suffered.

Whilst denying claims that next year's show has been cancelled, Jeremy Staples, society chief executive, said: “The unprecedented wet weather at last year’s East of England Show resulted in significant losses for the East of England Agricultural Society and as a result, officials are reviewing plans for the event in 2013.

“A number of agricultural shows suffered similar issues in the summer with unrelenting wet weather – with some cancelled halfway through and others which were called off completely. Others soldiered on and subsequently suffered financial losses.”

Organisers have further denied suggestions that the losses ran as high as £400,000, but admitted that proposed changes would mitigate against similar weather conditions next year.

He said: “2013 will be a transitional year for the show and give us time to refocus our objectives which are education, Food Direct From The Farm campaign and rural life.”

He also pledged there will be three events taking place during one weekend in July including an education event – where the society expects more than 3,000 children to attend – a livestock event featuring cattle and sheep and a Food Direct From The Farm food festival.

He added: “From there, we will review the event for 2014.”

Shailesh Vara, MP for North West Cambridgeshire, said: “The show is a premier event for the area and it really is very regrettable to see that it’s in difficulties caused partly by the very bad weather.

“I very much hope, and I will do whatever I can to assist to ensure, that we continue to put on a premier show which I know is enjoyed by thousands in and around the area.”