The Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS) has announced the cancellation of the 2020 Balmoral Show.

The show, which was originally due to take place from May 13 to 16 was postponed until August in an attempt to still run the show despite the difficulties faced as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

With the cancellation of the Dublin Horse Show announced last week, many breeders and producers across the country set their sights on the Northern venue.

Dr Alan Crowe, RUAS chief executive said, “It is with deep regret that the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society has taken the decision to cancel the 2020 Balmoral Show.

“After several meetings and the exploration of all alternative options, it became clear that we would have been unable to run the 2020 Show on the rearranged August dates during these unprecedented times.

“We understand that this news will be disappointing to many, however as the global Covid-19 pandemic endures, we believe that as a society, we have an obligation to protect the health and wellbeing of all our staff, members, competitors, visitors, volunteers, trade exhibitors, sponsors, contractors and suppliers.

The 152nd Balmoral Show will now take place from Wednesday May 12 to Saturday May 15 2021.