The Borrowdale Shepherds’ Meet is the latest annual Lakeland event to fall victim to the global coronavirus pandemic despite still being more than four months away.
Secretary Andrew Denley said it was “sad but inevitable” that the 2020 show scheduled for Sunday 20th September had to be cancelled.
“It was decided that irrespective of what may or may not be legally allowed in respect of COVID-19 by 20th September, the organisers did not want to unnecessarily put anyone’s health at risk,” he said.
The show has attracted increasing numbers of visitors since reverting to a more traditional shepherds’ meet in 2017 when it was switched to a small field opposite the Scafell Hotel. “However, the compact nature of the site means that whether you are showing sheep or just watching the show or relaxing in the popular on-site catering marquee, it would not be possible for anyone to keep a safe distance from each other,” Andrew added.
“It was an obvious decision to cancel the event but hard to make given the enjoyment it provides for the farming and local community and our visitors. We look forward to returning in 2021 and in the meantime wish everyone well,” he said.
