Lycett's Festival of Hunting cancelled due to Covid-19

The Lycett's Festival of Hunting, which incorporates the prestigious Peterborough Hound Show, that was due to take place at the East of England Showground on Wednesday, 22nd July, has been cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

One of the highlights of the summer hunting calendar, this one-day show usually attracts thousands of visitors from all across the UK, Ireland and further afield. As well as the modern foxhound classes, there are separate rings for the Old English foxhounds, harriers, beagles, basset hounds, draghounds and bloodhounds, plus displays of Fell hounds and coursing dogs.

"Although this is an important day in the calendar for hunts and thousands of hunt supporters, as well as the Countryside Alliance, the hunting community is united with the rest of the population in respecting the government's wishes to stay at home to protect the NHS and save lives so realises that has to take priority," said Polly Portwin, the Countryside Alliance's Head of Hunting.

She went on to say: "These are clearly disappointing times for the organisers and the trade stand holders as well as those who were due to show their hounds, however we look forward to enjoying all of these events again in the future once the pandemic is under control."

"Those involved in hunting are, however, showing typical resilience in these difficult times by embracing the community spirit and turning their attention to helping out in their own local communities by supporting local businesses, helping farmers and offering assistance to those who are vulnerable or self-isolating."

In a statement Alison Queenborough, Secretary of the Peterborough Royal Foxhound Show Society said: "Since 1878, the Peterborough Royal Foxhound Show has been cherished as the annual showcase for the world of hunting and has only ever stopped during wartime. This time it's a global pandemic which is placing huge demands on our public health service. Whilst 'Peterborough' exemplifies the history and tradition of hounds, celebrates rural life and is a great social gathering, we do not wish to place unnecessary burden on our public services which must be focussed on the nation's health and well-being."

She added: "We are advising our members, sponsors, trade stand exhibitors, advertisers and contractors and thank all those who support our event each year."

The Festival of Hunting is not the only major event in the hound show calendar to have been cancelled as a result of these uncertain times, with the organisers of the South of England Show at Ardingly (11th to 13th June) and the Great Yorkshire Show (14th-16th July) already announcing these shows have been cancelled.