One of the few large events scheduled to take place in 2021 – Chale Show – has been cancelled as a result of Boris Johnson pushing back the easing of COVID restrictions to 19th July.
Organisers of the popular annual event have announced that with deep regret they must cancel this year’s 2-day show following the latest change to the unlocking roadmap. It is the second year running that the event has had to be put on ice due to COVID-19.
Although the show was due to take place after all legal restrictions are removed, the date of 19th July comes simply too late in the day for the large-scale event to be pulled together. A lack of confidence in the Prime Minister actually moving forward with a full unlocking in mid-July brings financial uncertainty and the event couldn’t be held with any social distancing rules still in force. Furthermore, vital volunteers that help run Chale Show are nervous amount returning – despite being double vaccinated.
The team behind Chale Show say that they have had little to no financial support or assurance from the Government despite requests for clarity and guidance. They do say, however, that the Isle of Wight Council has worked hard to support the show where they can despite often finding out information on the same day as the general public.
Andrew Woodford, Show Manager, has said:
“We are both disheartened and disappointed with this decision and wish to offer our sincere apologies to all those affected as we understand the knock-on effects for individuals, businesses and charities will be huge.
“An event of this size takes a huge amount of time to plan, make safe, and build. Chale Show prides itself on being staged and managed by volunteers, many of whom are understandably nervous about the ongoing pandemic situation, and we respect their wishes to remain as safe as possible at this time.
Article continues below this advertisement “The show is run on behalf of Chale Horticultural Society and its trustees to raise charitable funds, of which it has an excellent track record. Unfortunately, with the current uncertainty on the lifting of restrictions, it is not sufficiently possible to ensure a good financial outcome this year which could jeopardise the future of the show.
“Rest assured, we want there to be a Chale Show for many years to come and it is important that we safeguard our position as being one of the longest-running events on the Isle of Wight.
Plans are now being laid down to see Chale Show return on 6th & 7th August 2022 – 3 years after the last event. Chale Show was first Staged in 1920 and has run every year since, except for the war years and now the COVID pandemic.
That’s a shame but totally understandable.. great show and I’m sure you’ll be back soon.
Why should the Government (also known as the taxpayers) give financial support to the Chale Show.
Read the article it states no government support and if the government cancel it then it’s them
Stopping it from
Happening
Actually it states little to no government financial support so I suggest you try some reading glasses
And also it states that it was cancelled by the organisers of the Chale Show not Boris Johnson. You should really read the article correctly
I don’t think you are reading the article correctly – the fact that it’s impossible to comply with all the restrictions and naturally there’s only one stab at the money that weekend – yet thousands of expenditure leading up to it. I read somewhere it costs £60k to put the event on. Would you risk that – also so many charities and businesses really on events like this- sad you are so negative about something which creates a better economy and social life for this island- there’s large pots of money for creative arts – I presume you resent that too for events which have had it
It’s you that doesn’t read the
comments correctly cos where did I mention anything about not wanting the show to go on. I just said why should the Government give financial support to this show. If they do then every tin pot event will want it too.
Well they allow all football supporters to gather, and ascot races to go ahead no policing going on there, shame for the show
The problem with the artical and I e in general is so much bias against the government and mainly Boris in general,leave the bloke alone,he is doing a decent job under enormous circumstances!!!
What are you taking…you must be wearing funny glasses.Our sad government is a puppet for the globalist`s and you must have Stockholm Syndrome.
Wtf are you on matey! All main Stream media and even places like the island echo have it in for Boris, the silent majority are behind him and his policy’s regarding Brexit and immigration etc. Get over it ! He is doing a reasonable job and good luck to him ! PS I am a labour voter but I also have my own brain !