It had been due to take place on August 14. The popular event usually attracts thousands of people to the showground at Somerley Park, near Ringwood. Chairman of the Ellingham and Ringwood Agricultural Society Steve Thompson said: “We have done all we possibly could to keep the flame alive, and owe a huge vote of thanks to our volunteers, to our loyal members and supporters and to our key suppliers who have stuck with us. “But the Government announcement on Monday 14th June left us with no choice. “Although we’ve repeatedly said, “We will if we can”, the sad truth now is that we can’t.