TRADE stand holders left out of pocket when the Great Yorkshire Show had to be cancelled will get compensation.
The Yorkshire Agricultural Society, which organises the annual event, will reimburse them for the two days they lost after the weather forced the show to be scrapped.
In a move which is expected to cost the society about £700,000, organisers will write to the 600 or so businesses offering the two-thirds reimbursement which covers the cost of their stand.
The Great Yorkshire Show had to cancel the final two days of the three day event at Harrogate after unprecedented wet weather resulted in the car parks being unsafe to use.
Society chief executive Nigel Pulling said: “It was a heartbreaking decision to have to make, but we said immediately that we regard our trade stand exhibitors as important partners in staging the event.
“Under our terms and conditions no refund is due, but we recognise that for many, the loss of two days’ business will have a severe impact at a time when trading is already challenging. Therefore, we have taken the decision today to offer this refund.”
The cancellation is expected to cost the society about £2m in ticket refunds, extensive remedial work to the car parks during the show, cancelled attractions and displays and reimbursement of trade stands.
“Our remit as a charity is to support and encourage agriculture and we will continue to do that,” said Mr Pulling.
“Staging the Great Yorkshire Show and its sister event, Countryside Live, remain at the heart of our activities as we continue to fly the flag for British agriculture”.
