In a bid to beat the Covid-19 lockdown and counter numerous show cancellations, an online agricultural show has been organised which promises fun for all the family.
The event will take place online on Saturday May 2 2020, and was the idea of David Hill, an estate manager in Berkshire.
‘Jokingly’ putting feelers out on social media, David’s idea went viral, with hundreds of farmers and industry representatives offering to help run the event and judge virtual classes, such as BBC Radio 4’s Farming Today presenter Charlotte Smith.
Speaking to Farmers Guardian, he said: “Following a couple of local show cancellations, it crossed my mind that an online show could be organised as a way of connecting people regardless of the virus.
“It has blown up bigger than I expected which demonstrates the appetite among the community for some kind of agricultural event.
“Plans are to build a website over the next month which will have different areas for competitions.
“The overall aim is to make the classes simple and a bit of free fun for all the family to get involved with."
The first social media competition asked children aged up to 16 to design a ’bright bold logo for the show’ and was judged by Oxford Farming Conference’s ’Emerging Leaders Group 2019’.
And the winner of the children’s logo competiton is....
— The Greatest Online Agricultural Show! (@OnlineAgShow)
Tilly Aged 12.
The judges loved the artwork, the bold and clear images and felt that your logo would be just right for the show. Thank you!!
We are sorting out prizes and will confirm these shortly.#GreatestAgShow pic.twitter.com/2akLqU7fqtAnd the winner of the children's logo competiton is....
— The Greatest Online Agricultural Show! (@OnlineAgShow) March 24, 2020
Tilly Aged 12.
The judges loved the artwork, the bold and clear images and felt that your logo would be just right for the show. Thank you!!
We are sorting out prizes and will confirm these shortly.#GreatestAgShow pic.twitter.com/2akLqU7fqt
The ’show’ has asked rural businesses and traders wishing to advertise to donate a nominal fee of £10 to a fundraising page, where the proceeds raised will go towards the event’s five chosen charities; R.A.B.I, R.S.A.B.I, FCN, YANA and DPJ Foundation.