Following the news that this year’s Royal Manx Agricultural Show will go ahead, the Southern Show organisers have made a similar announcement.

’The president and committee of the Southern District Agricultural Society are pleased to be able to confirm the Southern Agricultural Show,’ they said.

’Will be going ahead this year and will be held on Saturday, July 31 and Sunday, August 1 at Great Meadow in Castletown, with the kind permission of Mr and Mrs RSD Riggall.’

Show secretary Sarah Comish added: ’It seems like it has been such a long time since the 2019 show, but we are back on track with our organisation of this well-loved community event.

’The society will not be inviting UK judges this year, instead we are asking local judging experts to use their considerable knowledge to judge all sections from livestock, and horses through to farm and garden produce.

’We are also very much focussed on island-based entertainment for the main ring which should provide something for everyone to enjoy.’

Carol Kennaugh, secretary of the Royal Show which will take place on August 13 and 14, confirmed that their approach was very much the same.

She said: ’We were always going to have a show this year, in some form or other. We felt we owed it to the people who have supported us, year in year out.

’When the council made the final decision in November the one thing was it had to be local only: we had to protect the island and if we worked to that we knew we had a show.

’What surprised me and was extremely touching was that the local judges were all so honoured to be asked and they have just as much expertise.

’It’s been great to see people coming together to help us and the feedback we’ve got is that they are delighted we’re having a show and that we’re taking the stance and not having anyone from across.

’The Royal Manx will discourage any unnecessary travel.’

Information regarding trade stands and catering will be available from mid February on the show website and Carol will be emailing all exhibitors from 2019 and anyone else who have made an enquiry.

This year’s Royal Show prize schedule will be available at the end of April.