ORGANISERS of the Somerset County Show were left disappointed on Sunday (September 17) when day two of the annual event had to be abandoned shortly after it opened.

A severe electrical storm swept over the Taunton Racecourse venue early in the morning and was followed by monsoon-style rainfall.

The site was quickly ankle-deep in mud and water, forcing the decision to cancel the event about two hours after the doors opened on Sunday.

The opening day of the family event on Saturday saw hundreds of people attend despite rain on and off throughout the day as exhibitors showcased the best of Somerset’s food, services, businesses, and sports.

Displays ranged from Wellington Majorettes and classic vehicles to small pony racing and an alpaca show.

But day two did not escape the Met Office yellow warning of severe weather which was issued for the timeframe of 3 am to 6 pm on Sunday, meaning homes and businesses could quickly become flooded and there was a small risk of danger to life.

One show exhibitor told the Wellington Weekly: “We had heavy claps of thunder and terrific lightning flashes right overhead.

“The rain was incredible heavy and even walking over the woodchip walkways I sank in over my ankles so there was no choice really but to call the event off.

“It is hard on the county show people because they have been working hard on it for 10 years to get it off the ground and established and then this happens to them.”

Exhibitors and visitors who had arrived first thing Sunday morning found their vehicles bogged down in the car park and a tractor had to be used to tow them out, leading to lengthy delays exiting the show.

Event director Paul Curtis was pleased with the success of the first day’s activities despite the weather and thanked all the volunteers whose hard work had helped it to happen.

Mr Curtis said the show was now ‘very much part of the local calendar’ and had a full and varied programme of activities.

He said anybody who would like to help with the 2024 Somerset County Show should email Sharon Mitchell at [email protected].