Rural show 'threatened by taxes'

Bakewell Show organisers say it could be under threat if a proposed public entertainments tax is introduced.

The government is considering a levy which would hit shows that use temporary accommodation.

Bakewell Show manager Janet Bailey said any new taxes - for shows with 6,000 visitors - could hurt the event.

She said: "We had 60,000 people over the two days last year, if it is done on some sort of scale, we would be paying a lot more than the minimum."

The 173rd show in August 2003 saw racing camels and tropical temperatures bringing in a record crowd.

It was a change in convention for the event where sheep and cattle are the usual exhibits on show.