Emsworth Show to go virtual this weekend as coronavirus scuppers physical event

A TOWN show that has celebrated its residents’ gardening and crafting abilities for more than 100 years will go virtual for the first time at the weekend.
By ron Melton
Published 28th Aug 2020, 09:18 BST
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It comes after organisers of the Emsworth Show ditched their usual haunt of Emsworth Park in favour of the internet in light of the spread of coronavirus.

Prizes, cups and medals will be sidelined for 2020 but the show will still host online competitions across four virtual rooms for horticulture, arts and crafts, families and young exhibitors.

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Entries for contests set to be held in each of the rooms are open now and must be submitted at emsworthshow.co.uk before 6pm today [Friday, August 28].

James Bowen and his dog Rosie, who won the dog who looks most like the owner competition at 2019's Emsworth Show.James Bowen and his dog Rosie, who won the dog who looks most like the owner competition at 2019's Emsworth Show.
James Bowen and his dog Rosie, who won the dog who looks most like the owner competition at 2019's Emsworth Show.

One competition in the Arts and Crafts Room calls on budding photographers to share images of things that inspired them in lockdown.

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Emsworth Show chairwoman, former Havant mayor Faith Ponsonby, said it was ‘heartbreaking’ to have to cancel the physical event.

Current mayor, councillor Diana Patrick, added: ‘Sadly, as there cannot be a show this year, the virtual show will give everyone a chance to put photos in showing how they have been occupying themselves – I might even enter myself.

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The free event will run on Emsworth’s Show website from midday on Sunday to 6pm on Monday, before ratings are awarded in each virtual room.

Highlights from the show will also be share on Facebook at @theemsworthshow.

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