This is the second year in a row that the Royal Melbourne Show has been cancelled.
Victorians may be celebrating the lifting of lockdown restrictions, but unfortunately, not everything is back to normal. The Royal Melbourne Show, which has been a part of Victoria for over 160 years, has been cancelled. This is due to ongoing uncertainty about the pandemic, as well as the operational challenges and risks involved with holding an event with large crowds.
The Royal Melbourne Show cancelled due to COVID uncertainty
The Show was originally scheduled to take place from Thursday September 23 to Sunday October 3 at the Melbourne Showgrounds.
According to the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria (RASV) President, Matt Coleman, it was important to them to give certainty to all those involved in the event “so they can make informed decisions in relation to their own arrangements”. Thousands of people are involved in the Show, as it is one of Victoria’s largest community events. Of course, “the RASV Board is disappointed to make the decision to cancel the 2021 Royal Melbourne Show,” said Coleman.
Brad Jenkins, Chief Executive Officer of the RASV, said the pandemic posed significant challenges to planning the event. “It’s deeply disappointing that the Victorian community will not be able to come together with family and friends to enjoy the fun, discovery and excitement of the Royal Melbourne Show for the second consecutive year,” said Jenkins.
Every year, the Royal Melbourne Show attracts 450, 000 visitors and contributes more than $244 million to Victoria’s economy. Before 2020, the event had only been cancelled twice. The first cancellation was because the Melbourne Showgrounds was requisitioned for the war effort in 1915. The second time was for World War Two.
However, event organisers have bright hopes for the Show’s future. The first Show after the World War Two cancellation attracted record attendance, and they’re hoping for history to repeat itself next year.
Jenkins has also hinted at doing something new. “Despite not holding the 2021 Royal Melbourne Show, the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria is exploring and developing new initiatives and opportunities to celebrate food and agricultural producers, rural and regional Victoria and our talented creative industries,” he said.
Read the full statement here.