Melbourne Royal Show cancelled for second consecutive year

The Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria has advised that the 2021 Melbourne Royal Show has been cancelled due to the ongoing uncertainty and operational constraints, challenges and risks associated with holding major events with large free roaming crowds during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Announcing the cancellation, Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria (RASV) President, Matt Coleman advised “the Melbourne Royal Show is a much-loved major Victorian event that is a unique and valuable platform to promote and celebrate excellence in agriculture, with thousands of agricultural producers from rural and regional Victoria coming together at Melbourne Showgrounds.

“Whilst the RASV Board is disappointed to make the decision to cancel the 2021 Melbourne Royal Show, we felt it important for all those planning to be involved in the event including exhibitors, competitors, judges, stewards, sponsors and volunteers that they have certainty so they can make informed decisions in relation to their own arrangements.”

Victoria’s largest annual community event, the Show attracts more than 450,000 visitors over its 11 days each year and contributes more than $244 million in value to Victoria’s economy annually.

RACV Chief Executive, Brad Jenkins went on to say “the COVID-19 pandemic continues to cause significant disruption in planning and delivering major events.

“Due to the operational constraints, challenges and risks in holding major events during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly those with large free roaming crowds, the 2021 Royal Melbourne Show has been cancelled.

“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.”

“We are incredibly fortunate to have a passionate and supportive community who look forward to attending or being involved in the Melbourne Royal Show. This includes our loyal volunteers, staff, members, sponsors and exhibitors along with thousands of competitors striving to win a coveted Melbourne Royal blue ribbon. We understand the cancellation of the 2021 Show will come as very disappointing news. I would like to extend my thanks and appreciation to everyone involved in the Show for their understanding and support during these challenging times.

“Despite not holding the 2021 Melbourne Royal 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.”

Scheduled to be held over 11 days from Thursday 23rd September to Sunday 3rd October at the Melbourne Showgrounds, the RACV will continue to play a valuable role for the Victorian community throughout the COVID-19 pandemic by providing venue as one of the state’s best venues for COVID testing and vaccinations.

The Melbourne Royal Show has been the signature event for the RACV since the organisation was first formed in 1848. It has only been called off on two occasions prior to 2020. First, when Melbourne Showgrounds was requisitioned for the war effort in 1915 and again during the Second World War between 1940 and 1945.

The first Melbourne Royal Show after the Second World War attracted record attendance and the RACV looks forward to history repeating itself in 2022 when the Show returns.

Images courtesy of the Melbourne Royal Show/RACV.