Royal Show to close a day early

Conditions in the showground were too wet

Muddy conditions are forcing the Royal Show, one of the largest agricultural shows in Europe, to close a day early.

The five-day event held at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire was due to end on Wednesday but the weather has forced organisers to change their minds.

Honorary show director Mark Spencer said the unusually high rainfall had resulted in the showground and parking areas becoming saturated.

"We had no other option than to protect the visitors' safety," he said.

Livestock classes will be completed a day early although horse events may continue on higher ground to ensure Horse of the Year Show qualifying rounds can be completed.

Mr Spencer said staff had talked to health and safety officers and the police as well as checking Met Office forecasts before the decision was taken.

"We managed showground and car parking ground conditions before and during the first three days of the show, spreading large amounts of wood chips, chatter and straw," he said.

"However, continuing heavy rain showers meant the ground could not take more water."