Copyright © Royal Agricultural Society 2012
Charity number 1008403
The Royal Lancashire Show is famous for being the oldest agricultural show in the country. Historically, it has been a showcase for everything our countryside has had to offer. The three day shows attracted over 20,000 people per day, it was a highlight of the rural communities year and of great benefit to the local rural economy.
However, in recent years our weather has changed; Winters are milder and Summers are much wetter. This change in our climate has had a great impact on our counties agricultural economy and also on it’s showcase. In July 2007 the RLAS was forced to abandon the show for only the second time since WW2, heavy unseasonable rains had rendered the showground unsafe for public access. Disastrous weather struck the show again in 2008. Traffic management concerns and site access problems caused the 2009 show to be abandoned and the Society was left in a very precarious financial position. With great sadness the show had to be mothballed in 2010 and 2011.
For the last 2 years the Society has restructured, initiated new strategic partnerships and successfully held several one day events featuring elements of the original show.
2012 is a momentous year as it will see the much anticipated return to a showground with The Royal Lancashire Agricultural Society Countryside Experience at its new venue of Witton Country Park.
