Showman’s Show 2020 cancelled

The UK’s events trade show The Showman’s Show 2020, scheduled for 21-22 October, has been cancelled due to the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

In a statement, the show organisers Jeremy and Johnny Lance of Lance Show and Publications Limited, said, “Since the start of the coronavirus outbreak, we have closely monitored guidance and advice from the government and PHE and remained optimistic that we would be able to safely deliver the35th edition of the show as planned.”

However, while new government guidance was said to offer hope for the industry that smaller outdoor events can begin to return this year, exhibitions and trade shows are still not permitted.

The statement said, “It is also blatantly clear that the damage caused to confidence and finances during the pandemic would result in greatly reduced exhibitor and visitor numbers.

“With the added uncertainty and the current restrictions of social distancing, we simply feel the show would not offer the experience that our visitors expect or the return on investment that our exhibitors need after such an incredibly difficult year.”

In support of the industry, though, Lance Show and Publications will be using its digital platforms and database to launch a digital campaign to promote its exhibitors.

“We also intend to mark the two days when the show would have been held, 21-22 October, with a host of online activity. More details on both will be released in due course,” the statement said.

The 2021 show is scheduled for 20-21 October, at Newbury Showground.

The statement ended by saying, “We will concentrate our efforts on making sure that we return bigger and better.”