Smithfield stock classes safe

The Royal Smithfield Club’s livestock classes will go ahead this December as part of a new winter show organised by the club and the Royal Bath and West of England Society.

It had been feared that the Smithfield name would not appear this year after last month’s cancellation of the event at Earls Court (see News, 3 March).

But after a series of meetings between the club and other possible venues, the Royal Bath and West showground at Shepton Mallet, Somerset, emerged as the new site for the show on 1-2 December.

A name for the show has not yet been decided but the society’s Alan Lyons told Farmers Weekly that progress on the two-day event was already being made.

“The Smithfield livestock classes will be a centrepiece for the event, but a new show will be built around it,” Mr Lyons said.

“It will have broad appeal both to the farming industry and the public.

“We can accommodate trade stands, machinery and equipment and we have substantial food halls so we can put the whole industry on show.

It is perfect timing ahead of the Christmas period.”