THE Farmyard Party 2020, organised by Yorkshire MAG Events and Rallies, has been cancelled.

The annual event hosted on Duncombe Park Estate, in Helmsley, was posponed until September 25 to 27, but organisers have cancelled the event due to the coronavirus pandemic.

A statement issued by the company on social media yesterday evening said: “It is with the greatest of regrets that we have to inform you that Farmyard Party is cancelled for reasons beyond your control.”

Hundreds of visitors descend on the market town every year, providing a huge boost for the local economy.

The statement continued: “Late this afternoon (September 7) we received a telephone call from Ryedale District Council informing us that due to the recent increase in the R (infection) rate in the Ryedale area, their SAG (Safety Advisory Group) in conjunction with the Director of Public Health for North Yorkshire, have regrettably withdrawn support for this year's Farmyard Party.

“Whilst they are only there in an advisory role, we fully respect their decision and it would be wholly irresponsible of us to proceed without their full support,”

“As a result of this decision our Event Liability Insurance is no longer valid which automatically puts an immediate halt to the event.

“We realise this will come as a huge disappointment to many of you, it certainly has to us, but our hands are tied, we need to preserve the longer-term future of our events and we hope that you support us in this decision, and will continue to support us in the years to come.”

Organisers are now encouraging ticket holder to either keep any existing tickets until the following year, donate the ticket cost to MAG or apply for a refund.

For more information, email enquiries@mapevents.co.uk or call 0800 988 3199.