This year's Stithians Show, which was due to be held in early July, has been cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic which also prevented the 2020 show from taking place.

Making the announcement this morning, organisers said all was not lost however, as the competition will be going online for the first time ever.

Founded in 1834, over the intervening 187 years the staging of the event has only been interrupted previously for three years due to World War One, five years during World War Two and in 2001 because of the foot and mouth outbreak.

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Show secretary Jenna Payne said: “The organising committee are very disappointed to cancel Cornwall’s largest one-day agricultural show for a second successive year but felt there was little other option.

“However, the show must go on and we’re very excited about holding our first full virtual Stithians Show and hope that exhibitors from across many of our competitive sections will get involved.

"This will expand on the successful virtual photography competitions we held last year.

Falmouth Packet:

Livesetock classes will be held virtually  Picture: Neal Johnston

“Virtual shows for livestock and horses have proven popular whilst the showing world hasn’t been possible to operate as normal. We’re looking forward to keeping the show’s competitive heart alive and we’ll release full details of how the classes will run soon.”

The 2022 Stithians Show is scheduled to take place on Monday, July 11 at the village’s dedicated showground.

“We can’t wait to welcome the crowds again, all being well, to next year’s show which will no doubt be another memorable and enjoyable celebration of the countryside, farming and food,” added the organisers.

Information about the 2021 Virtual Stithians Show will be available shortly by visiting www.stithians.show or the event’s official Facebook page.

The Stithians Showground is currently being used as the venue for an NHS Covid-19 testing and mass vaccination centre.