Discussions begin on Winter Fair

The move follows confirmation by the organisers of Dairy Scot and a host of other high profile livestock events in GB, all of which traditionally take place in the autumn period, to the effect that 2020 will not happen for them.

An RUAS spokesperson commented: “We are currently working our way through the various Covid restrictions for the Eikon Venue and on how we can safely run the Beef & Lamb Championships and the Winter Fair.  

“The respective committees are due to meet via Zoom over the next few weeks and taking into account the various restrictions around social distancing, limited numbers, operations set up etc.

“Decisions will be made on each event and statements will be released at that time.”

The actual communication sent out by the RUAS to traditional Winter Fair exhibitors states that staff are currently revising all floor plans to fit in with current guidelines.

Meanwhile, companies that would normally exhibit at the Winter Fair have told Farming Life that they need at least two months confirmation of the event actually taking place. This is to allow them to organise the design and build of their stands, bring in equipment from other parts of the UK and Europe while also putting in place the required staffing arrangements.

But logistics is only one of the issues that will have to be addressed by potential exhibitors coming to a 2020 Winter Fair. The more important matter to be decided upon concerns the level of risk associated in exposing their staff to a Covid-19 threat at one of the busiest time of the year for these businesses.

One potential Winter Fair exhibitor, who did not want to be named, said that the health risks associated with an event this year are too high.

He added: “In normal times, the Winter Fair is an absolute highlight of our year, but I cannot see how the RUAS can come up with a format that will deliver the degree of social distancing that is required to keep us all safe.

“Given current circumstances, I don’t think anyone involved within the farming sector would complain if the RUAS took the decision to cancel 2020. And the decision should be taken in the very near future. It would then be a case of looking forward to 2021.”

Farming Life understands that the various committees involved with the organisation of the Winter Fair will meet before the end of August.

The event normally attracts about 200 trade exhibitors and thousands of visitors. The inaugural Winter Fair was held in 1986.

If it goes ahead, the 2020 event will take place on Thursday, December 10th.

Earlier this year, the RUAS was forced to cancel Balmoral Show because of the Covid-19 lockdown restrictions.