The event has promoted farming, food and rural life since 1869. In a statement officials said the show's original objectives of the "furtherance, welfare and progress of the agricultural Industry and all professions, trades and crafts connected therewith", were "more important now than ever". In a statement officials said the show's original objectives of the "furtherance, welfare and progress of the agricultural Industry and all professions, trades and crafts connected therewith", were "more important now than ever"