New venue for this year's Derbyshire County Show

Heavily waterlogged conditions in the run-up to the event, which was due to be held at the Elvaston Showground, forced the show’s committee to take the difficult decision to call it off because of safety fears.

The committee are now hard at work organising this year’s event, which will take place on June 25 and will be held at Locko Park, in Spondon, after its owners, Lucy and David Palmer, offered the show an alternative venue in order that the showground could rest.

The line-up of events will include an appearance by the JC Balls’ Dancing Diggers, scurry driving demonstrations, a companion dog show and an expanded food fayre featuring local suppliers.

There will also be the traditional events including livestock displays in the parade ring, vintage cars and tractors, show jumping, craft stalls and floral displays.

Edward Hicklin, chairman of the Derbyshire Agricultural and Horticultural Society, said: “I have the dubious distinction of being the only chairman in the show’s history to have to cancel it at the last minute, but we felt that we had no choice because the car parks were flooded and the ground was cutting up badly, so it would have been foolhardy to continue.

“One year on, we are delighted to say that the show will be returning with a bang, with a host of exciting new attractions for all the family alongside traditional favourites and a wonderful new venue in Locko Park.

“The ground at the showground needs another year to recover so we are extremely grateful to Lucy and David for their kind offer to host the show at Locko Park. It’s a beautiful setting and we are confident that this year’s show will be one to remember. We just hope that the weather is kinder to us this time.”

The Derbyshire County Show began life as the Derbyshire Agricultural Show in 1860, when it was established by a group of landowners and farmers led by Dr John Hitchman.

Only outbreaks of war and foot and mouth disease prevented the show from taking place, with the emphasis changing over the years from showcasing predominantly agricultural activities and equipment to organising a more all-round day-out for everyone.

Tickets are now on sale at venues all over the county, including the Ashbourne, Chesterfield, Derby, Matlock and Swadlincote tourist information centres.

Car parking is free and organisers will be laying on a free bus service from Derby city centre.

For more details visit www.derbyshirecountyshow.org.uk