The following announcement is from the GDSF Facebook page………
CORONAVIRUS UPDATE- GDSF 2020 POSTPONED UNTIL 2021
Dear All
Following a further review by the Great Dorset Steam Fair Board of Directors, it is with much regret and sadness that I have to announce that the 52nd Great Dorset Steam Fair will no longer be taking place this year and will be postponed until 2021 (Thursday 26th to Bank Holiday Monday 30th August 2021).
We have been closely monitoring the unprecedented Coronavirus situation over the past few weeks and have explored all options. However, it has become increasingly evident that it would be both irresponsible and unfeasible to continue with the event this year, during these uncertain and challenging times.
This difficult decision has not been taken lightly, however, the safety and wellbeing of our visitors, exhibitors, traders, staff and contractors is always our primary concern, combined with the effect to the local area, towns, parishes and residents.
We are also very conscious of the impact that the event would have on the NHS, emergency services and local authority, they are doing an amazing job and we do not want to unnecessarily stretch their resources any further.
We offer our sincere apologies to all involved and I can assure you that we at the GDSF are equally as disheartened and disappointed. However, this is the right thing to do. Over the past 51 years we have managed to run the event in difficult circumstances and during sometimes impossible weather conditions, but the current situation is simply beyond our control.
For those of you who have already booked their tickets and/or camping in advance for the 2020 event, these bookings will remain valid for the re-scheduled 52nd event in 2021, this will happen automatically. Alternatively, should you prefer a refund for the 2020 show, please contact us at enquiries@gdsf.co.uk. quoting your Order Number and we will arrange this as soon as possible.
We were so looking forward to welcoming you all to this year’s show but sadly it is not meant to be. I would like to take this opportunity of personally thanking you all for your continued support of the GDSF and we look forward to seeing you all again in 2021. Keep safe everyone and look after yourselves.
In the words of our Queen “we will meet again”.
Kind regards
Martin Oliver, Managing Director, Great Dorset Steam Fair Ltd
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