Coronavirus restrictions see cancellation of 2020 Royal Adelaide Show

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Coronavirus restrictions see cancellation of 2020 Royal Adelaide Show

April 15, 2020

The Royal Adelaide Show has been cancelled for this year in what organisers are calling a “deeply disappointing” decision.

Due to be held in September, the Royal Agricultural and Horticultural Society of SA advised today that the “carefully evaluated” decision was made to protect the health of the public.

Society Chief Executive, John Rothwell stated “top of mind for us has been about the health and safety of the many show-goers who come to the Royal Show each year and of course the many competitors, exhibitors, judges, stewards, volunteers and staff who are involved with putting on such a large event.

“In the end, we’ve made a decision that we will cancel the 2020 show and our next show will be in 2021.”

The organisers said given the uncertainty around when the current lockdown restrictions would be lifted made it “unworkable” to hold the event.

In a statement, the Society advised “the decision not to go ahead with the 2020 Royal Adelaide Show has not been taken lightly.”

There had only been four previous reasons for the show not being held in its 181-year history including both World Wars, the Victorian Gold Rush in 1852 and the Spanish Flu pandemic.

South Australian Premier Steven Marshall said in a tweet “it will be disappointing for many, but I’m sure South Australians will be excited for its return in 2021.”

Coronavirus has already seen the cancellation of Sydney’s Royal Easter Show and Brsibane’s Ekka.

Images: Carnival rides at the Royal Adelaide Show.

7th April 2020 - RNA announces cancellation of Brisbane’s Ekka

13th March 2020 - Coronavirus fears see cancellation of Sydney Royal Easter Show

4th September 2019 - Rider suffers suspected spinal injury at Royal Adelaide Show carnival

28th August 2019 - AALARA refutes reports of ride safety concerns at the Royal Adelaide Show

27th August 2019 - SafeWork SA highlights inconsistencies in Australian ride regulations ahead of Royal Adelaide Show

4th May 2018 - SafeWork SA investigation into Royal Adelaide Show ride death scrutinised by ICAC

7th August 2017 - Unprecedented security measures to be undertaken at 2017 Royal Adelaide Show

25th July 2017 - SafeWork SA looks to work with ride operators in lead up to the Royal Adelaide Show

13th July 2017 - Royal Adelaide Show ride owners fined $157,000 over child’s death, but unlikely to pay up

30th May 2017 - Ride owners plead guilty to safety breaches in Royal Adelaide Show death trial

23rd September 2016 - Safety inspector’s legal team argues limited responsibilities in Royal Adelaide Show death case

2nd September 2016 - Royal Adelaide Show inspections aim to ensure safety of workers and patrons

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