Entry fees scrapped for district show (From Oxford Mail)

Entry fees scrapped for district show

7:00am Thursday 2nd February 2012 in Banbury

THE future of the Banbury and District Show has been secured and it will be free for the first time this year.

Banbury Town Council has stepped in to manage the June 10 show after organisers were hit in the pocket by last year’s rain-sodden event.

The £2 to £7 entry fees will be scrapped for the first time at the Spiceball Park event, which attracts thousands to enjoy outdoor acitvites.

And the Conservative-run council will also underwrite the town’s August 19 Food Fair after organiser, magazine The Four Shires, pulled out over costs.

The council will pay any losses but leader Kieron Mallon said he was confident sponsorship and pitch fees would cover costs for both events.

Mr Mallon said of the district show: “The ‘make it free’ decision means families from Banbury and the surrounding area will be able to enjoy a day of superb entertainment at no cost.”

This was a “fantastic opportunity in times when most things are going up in price”, he said.

The event – which attracts thousands – was previously organised by the Rotary Clubs of Banbury and Cherwell and Banbury Cross Round Table.

Mr Mallon insisted those organisations would continue to be involved. But he feared the show would not have gone ahead if the council had not stepped in.

The Oxfordshire County and Thame Show – the county’s biggest country event – has been axed this year after being hit by £116,000 losses in four years.