Last year's county show was a wash-out

by Andy Gray

The show will go on...

Despite fears this year’s event might have been the last, it’s been confirmed the 84th Kent County Show will go ahead as planned next summer.

It follows a disastrous 2012 for the Detling-based showpiece as torrential downpours rendered public car parks unusable for all three days of the event, forcing organisers to close the gates to visitors for the first time in its long history.

The monsoon conditions during the wettest UK summer since records began meant attendances were down 17,000 on the previous year.

It led to concerns many of the agricultural show’s leading stallholders and traders would pull-out of the event which normally attracts 80,000 visitors.

The flood-based fiasco cost the show’s organisers an estimated £300,000, but this week it was revealed the show will be back in style next July.

Cones at the closed Kent Showground gates

George Jessel, the show’s chairman, said: “We are determined that the annual Kent County Show should continue to showcase the best in agriculture and rural life.

“After the wet weather in July 2012 plans are well underway to ensure car parking is improved with attention given to pinch points across the site.”

Earlier this year, event bosses said people who booked tickets for this summer’s event, but didn’t make it to the show, would be offered equivalent tickets for next year’s show which runs from Friday, July 12 to Sunday, July 14.

The Gallagher Group, Geerings and Four Jays are among sponsors signed up for the farming and livestock extravaganza, which in 2013 is due to include racing camels, Sheridan the robotic sheep dog, equestrian events and horticultural displays.

Mr Jessel said: “The society is pulling out all the stops in its preparations to ensure the show is as entertaining and welcoming as ever.”

For further information on sponsorship opportunities or trade stands, contact Kate Excell or Lucy Hegarty on 01622 630975 or email kate@kentshowground.co.uk.