THE Royal Cheshire County Show is going goes virtual this year because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The much-loved traditional event, which was cancelled this year due to the pandemic, ordinarily attracts 80,000 visitors to the Cheshire Showground in Tabley.

The online event, which will take place in lieu of the live show on June 16 and 17, promises to provide a flavour of the entertainment, education and fun which have become the signature of this vibrant celebration of all things Cheshire.

Rob Davenport, show director, said: “We are thrilled to be offering an online showcase of our wonderful show, providing competitors, visitors and traders an opportunity to celebrate the riches of our county’s agricultural heritage.”

Highlights of the virtual event will include fresh, engaging content from the Delamere Dairy Main Ring and The Roberts Bakery Food Halls, as well as the sights and sounds of all the celebrated showground marquees.

Competitors are invited to enter their prized animals in an array of competition classes, including cattle, sheep, goats and, of course, light and heavy horses.

Competitions will be judged on uploaded photographs and videos by a panel of show judges, and winners will be revealed online on the days of the virtual event.

The ground-breaking initiative will also enable the show’s diverse trade stands to present their products and services to an online audience, allowing shoppers to browse and purchase unique artisan goods, usually only available at the event itself.

Rob added: “The Cheshire Agricultural Society is happy to offer our online event free of charge to visitors, competitors and traders alike.

“We hope everybody in the community will take the opportunity to participate and have some much-needed fun in these unusual times. We would like to thank our valued Principal Partners and sponsors for helping to make this possible. See you at the show.”

For more information about the virtual show please visit royalcheshireshow.org/