Agfest and the Royal Launceston Show are unlikely to merge, organisers say

The suggestion gained traction on social media after the Launceston Show announced its decision to move to Quercus Park from 2021 onward, last week.

The move to the Agfest site ahead of the 150^th anniversary of the show in 2023 was initiated after the show society voluntarily relinquished its lease on the former Inveresk site as part of the UTAS upgrade.

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Agfest's media and promotions officer Dylan Bellchambers said that the two shows would remain separate.

"There's been absolutely no discussion about the two shows merging ... it's not something that's even been talked about, they're two very separate events and very strong important events to Tasmanians," he said.

"From our perspective we're just excited to have the Launceston Show on site, its a great facility as you know ... [there] might be mutually beneficial resource development on the side."

Mr Bellchambers said the move was a big tick for the hard work of volunteers to improve Quercus Park.

"There have been countless hours of volunteers work to build this site from day dot ... it's more than just the home of Agfest, it is a strong events centre for Tasmania," he said.

Previously, Royal Launceston Show chief executive Brian Bennett confirmed that the two shows would be unlikely to merge.

READ MORE: Launceston show name to remain despite move

"I really feel they remain as separate entities, Launceston show is built around spring activities and Launceston is part of a show circuit so it is very hard to change the dates," he said.

"There's certainly been no discussion of a merger and I doubt it would happen."

Last year, Agfest chairman Ethan Williams confirmed the event would return in 2021 after being cancelled in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

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