by business editor Trevor Sturgess

The Kent Show could move its traditional date to attract more people, it has been revealed. But no change will be made until 2011.

Bosses at Kent County Agricultural Society - organiser of the annual event - were disappointed that this year’s attendance - 80,000 - was 10,000 down on last year.

David Goff, general manager, listed six possible reasons for this year’s lower attendance - it was the first weekend of the state school holiday, recession, poor weather forecast, the exciting Ashes Test Match, the Open Golf tournament - both events on television - and a fear of catching swine flu in crowds.

Mr Goff said that the number of stands was about the same as in previous years, and retailers of agricultural machinery had reported good business.

"I’m reasonably happy with the numbers," he said. "Taking those factors into account, I don’t think we did too badly."

He insisted that the show was secure and would go ahead as usual next year. Media speculation about the show's future was unfounded, he said, suggesting it had been triggered by the scrapping of the Royal Show at Stoneleigh.

However, Mr Goff believes that an earlier date in July - perhaps the first weekend - would help to revive numbers. But that will involve consulting other show organisers because the Kent Show is one of a number of shows that try not to clash over dates throughout the summer. And show-jumping qualifying events also have to dovetail into the national programme.

Mr Goff said: "The consultation process has started and I am in the process of writing to other shows that are on or around the same time to get their views."

If agreement can be reached, the change could be made in time for the 2011 show.