2020 Royal Hobart Show cancelled due to restrictions imposed to counter coronavirus

The 2020 Royal Hobart Show has been cancelled, it is understood. See the full details >>

IT is understood the Royal Hobart Show has been cancelled for this year.

A post by the Royal Hobart Show Kennel Section’s Facebook page confirmed the cancellation today.

“The RAST has reluctantly decided that the 2020 Royal Hobart Show cannot proceed due to restrictions imposed to counter the coronavirus,” the post said.
“We have left this decision as long as possible in the hope that the restriction might be eased.

Hope to see you all in 2021.”

Royal Agricultural Society of Tasmania chief executive Scott Gadd could not be reached late last night for comment.

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On Tuesday, RAST delayed the decision on the 2020 show, pending further information on the state’s coronavirus restrictions.

Last month, the society revealed it was considering cancelling this year’s show, given uncertainty around social distancing rules.

The show takes place each year in October and attracts tens of thousands of patrons. RAST had planned to make a decision by June 1, but Mr Gadd had previously said the society would await further advice from the government.

RAST had warned the cancellation of this year’s Hobart Show could trigger the collapse of Tasmania’s carnival season, as the event underpinned the state’s other 23 agricultural shows.

Peak body Agricultural Shows Australia called on the Federal Government to invest in a $42.4 million support package to ensure the survival of the events.