Great Yorkshire Show abandoned due to heavy rain

Heavy rainfall has forced organisers to call off the remainder of this year’s Great Yorkshire show.

Unprecedented amounts of rain, causing muddy ground, has led to the 154th running of the popular show to be abandoned.

After the first day (Tuesday 10 July) organisers last night announced that there would be no show today (Wednesday 11 July) or tomorrow (Thursday 12 July).

“This has been the most difficult decision that I have ever had to make,” said show director Bill Cowling.

“It is heartbreaking for all concerned, our exhibitors, our visitors and, of course, our staff.

“The decision has been made because our car parks have become too muddy to use with any safety, and the safety of our visitors has to come first. We will be refunding all those who have bought tickets in advance and talking to our exhibitors.”

Extensive preparations were made to combat the wet weather, including installing new roads and new drainage systems.

“We have had more rain in the last month than ever before. Our showground is robust and has held up well, but if we cannot park cars safely then to abandon is a difficult decision, but it is the right one,” added Mr Cowling.

For more information visit: www.greatyorkshireshow.co.uk

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now