THE Royal Welsh Winter Fair has been cancelled because of the coronavirus outbreak.

It had been due to take place on the Royal Welsh Showground in Builth Wells from 30 November to 1 December, but the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society has announced this year’s fair will not go ahead.

Steve Hughson, the chief executive of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society said: “Everyone at the society is deeply disappointed that all of our major events have been cancelled this year.

"However we take our responsibilities as an event organiser very seriously and must play our part in fighting this pandemic. The society would like to thank our members, traders, exhibitors, competitors, sponsors and all stakeholders for their understanding and patience during this period of uncertainty.

"We will keep you fully informed regarding any further developments in what is an unprecedented situation. We are all working hard to ensure that the society and its events come through this crisis and we look forward to welcoming everyone back to our showground when it is safe to do so.”

The Winter Fair is the last major event in the society’s calendar.

This decision follows the cancellation of the 2020 Smallholding and Countryside Festival and Royal Welsh Show and will have a significant impact on the society and all stakeholders.

Despite some optimism around the ongoing releasing of restrictions, trustees came to the conclusion that the event could not operate safely within the law covering social distancing and guidance affecting mass gatherings. There are no plans to allow large gatherings or reduce the 2m rule in Wales in the near future.