Scheduled for November, the show committee cited financial issues as the cause for cancelling the show. It’s still unknown if the show will come back in 2018.

Shows were also a contentious topic this month in Launceston. Despite lasting 144 years, the Royal Launceston Show lacked support from the public. 

People cried out that the tickets were too expensive and the show didn’t offer what they wanted. They then voted with their feet, with attendance visibly down (the crowd numbers are yet to be confirmed).

The Examiner asked readers for feedback on the show. Prior to the show readers were asked if they wanted the show to continue in the future (the answer was yes) and if they would be attending (majority said no).

Following the show we asked the readers: did you attend the show, if no why not; if yes, did it meet your expectations. The final question was what could be improved about the show.

More than 500 responses were received. Many did not attend the show due to expenses associated with the show.

Most of the responses requested that the show turned back time to a true agriculture show. Potential patrons wanted more community involvement, craft exhibitions, local artists, more produce and for community groups to participate.

There were calls for an evening spectacular with live entertainment and a firework display.

Improved layout was a key theme and price still remained an issue. Some called for free entry so money could be spent at the show, others wanted a reduction and others asked for more for their buck.

A date change was also suggested, so there wasn’t a clash with school holidays.

All of these are valid ideas. The common theme was something had to give. 

The pressure is on the show society to find a new venue and create a modern program that meets community expectations. But then it’s up to patrons to acknowledge that change has occurred and risks were taken. We don’t want to arrive to October, 2018 for people raising the same complaints, they must show their support.

Devonport made the decision to cancel the show based on the head, not the heart.

Let's hope the Launceston show can remain a standing tradition, but do so by embracing new ideas and change.