A rural show has had to be rearranged after waterlogged conditions forced it to be cancelled. 

Organisers of annual Gillingham and Shaftesbury Spring Countryside Show have announced a new set of dates for the two-day show to take place.

This came hours after they made the ‘difficult decision’ to postpone the event due to waterlogged conditions at Motcombe Turnpike Showground  in Shaftesbury, following prolonged periods of wet weather in the county.

The news follows statistics showing that Dorset has seen half of its annual rainfall fall in the first three months of the year. 

Organisers pointed out that the rearranged show will still be within 11 days of springtime ending, with the dates being moved from Saturday, April 20 and Sunday, April 21 to Saturday June 8 and Sunday, June 9.

It was announced that all the main attractions including the UK’s only area stunt clown comedy act, heavy horses, dancing ponies, racing pigs and the Dorset Axemen can still appear at these changed dates.

Bookings and tickets will automatically be transferred to the new dates, or a full refund will be given to traders and ticket holders.

Show organiser, Cat Harris, said: “After the recent announcement regarding the necessary postponement due to the unseasonably heavy rainfall, our team has been working tirelessly behind the scenes to find a solution, and we’ve done just that.

“We are overjoyed to announce that the Spring Countryside Show has been reorganised for the eighth and ninth of June this year.

“This decision comes with a renewed sense of hope and excitement and what promises to be an unforgettable celebration of countryside life, traditions and vibrant culture.

Dorset Echo:

“Our team is fully committed to making this year’s show not just a return, but a remarkable experience for all our participants, vendors, volunteers, and visitors.

“The safety, well-being, and enjoyment of our community remain our top priorities, and we believe the new dates will provide us with the opportunity to host the show under the best possible conditions.”

She added: “We want to reassure our traders and ticket holders that bookings and tickets will automatically be transferred to the new dates or a full refund will the given.”

The show is also launching a photographic exhibition, inviting amateur photographers to enter their best shots to be judged by landscape photographer Charlie Waite.

On top of this, there will be free tractor and trailer rides throughout the weekend, horticultural and gardening attractions, Dorset foods and drinks along with live music.

Gates at the show will be open between 9am to 5.30pm on both days. Tickets for the show are free for children under the age of 15 and £14 for adults.

To book tickets for the show, visit https://gillinghamandshaftesburyshow.ticketsrv.co.uk/tickets/SCS2024

To enter the photographic competition visit www.springcountrysideshow.co.uk