THE Royal Bath & West Show has been postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The show, which was due to take place in May, has been put back to August 1 and 2 due to the 'increased threat of the spread of coronavirus', organisers said.

The Devon County Show and The Royal Cornwall Show have also been postponed, to August 28, 29, 30 and September 10, 11 and 12, respectively.

The move comes after the Government’s guidance press conference on March 12 which outlined advice for people to avoid large gatherings for the foreseeable future.

"While the boards of each show admit this is an extremely difficult decision to make and appreciate the disruption and disappointment the postponement may cause, it has been unanimously agreed that the Shows’ absolute priorities must lie, at this time of uncertainty, with the protection of public health," a spokesperson said.

Richard Maunder, Devon County Agricultural Association Secretary, said: “Obviously we are very disappointed to have to postpone the 125th Devon County Show, particularly given that it marks such a momentous milestone in our history.

"However, we hope that all of our visitors, traders and exhibitors will understand the unprecedented circumstances in which we find ourselves, and our duty to put the health of our public first and foremost.

"We look forward to welcoming you all to a spectacular celebration of Devon rural life through the ages, but on this occasion over the bank holiday weekend in August.

"We are still on the hunt for descendants of members, exhibitors and competitors from our first two shows back in 1872 and 1873. Please continue to step forward and make yourselves known to us.

"If you are unable to make our event, please do support our friends – The Royal Bath & West in Somerset and The Royal Cornwall Show.”

Each show would like to thank the public, traders, competitors and sponsors for their understanding and patience during this period of uncertainty and what is an unprecedented situation, the spokesperson added.