A licensing application has been submitted to hold next year's Leek Show on a new site, after last year's show had to be cancelled for the second year running, to the disappointment of local residents.

The new site of the show would be Dunwood Fields off Leek Road, near Longsdon, if the license is granted.

Leek Nub News reported earlier this year how organisers had to cancel the 2021 show, saying they were told by Staffordshire Moorlands District Council that Birchall Playing Fields, which are managed by the council, could not be available to host the show due to "current levels of COVID infections and changes to assembly restrictions".

It was an even bigger blow for the organisers since the 2020 show also had to be cancelled due to Covid restrictions, meaning next year's show will be the first since 2019 if it goes ahead.

This year's show was meant to take place on Saturday, 31st July, but organisers said the next time the show is able to go ahead will now not be until July 2022.

The new license application is aiming to hold the show on 30th July 2022, and a public consultation period on the application is open until 3rd January. Comments can be made on the licensing page of the district council's website.

The district council will then have the final say on the application at a later date.

A spokesperson for the show said after the cancellation of the 2021 event: "Despite being well advanced in our plans for an event to celebrate the end of restrictions there is clearly insufficient time to arrange an alternative site, however proposals for a site at Logsdon will commence for the show to take place in July 2022 which we trust will be supported equally by the public and authorities."

Following the cancellation, Leek Show Committee chairman Eddie Sims also released a statement saying: "As Leek Show Committee Chairman, I would like to pay tribute to our committee members for all the hard work they have put in to make this year's show the success we all hoped for in the very difficult circumstances we have all been experiencing over the last 18 months.

"Some of our committee are long-standing volunteers who have been involved in Leek Show for many, many years, and for that, we thank them for staying the course and bringing the experience and advice to the majority of us who are newcomers with varying degrees of knowledge and experience - but above all, enthusiasm beyond bounds. I would also like to mention the unstinting support from Karen Bradley throughout.

"As chairman of this organisation, I cannot begin to explain the disappointment I felt on receiving the email from Staffordshire Moorlands District Council refusing the license to operate the show from Birchall – home of the show for 54 years, even though I had understood from the Torr family that dealing with the local council, who are custodians of the site, was always the most challenging part of arranging the show each year.

"Whilst the committee feel it would be impossible to arrange a show for 2021 at an alternative site, with the added challenge of finding a suitable date that does not clash with other events in the area, they are determined to make the 2022 Show, on July 30th, bigger and better than Leek has ever seen.

"The site that has been offered is on Leek Road between Endon and Longsdon, opposite Dunwood Lane, and is approximately 20% larger than Birchall, carries no limitations, so attractions such as Show Jumping, could return to the show. Main attractions could be as daring as your imagination. Security would be much improved and parking for several thousand vehicles is adjacent to the site. Traffic management consultants have given assurances that minimal disruption to a busy main road is very achievable.

"The Leader of the Moorland District Council has stated that the council would be very supportive of the move.

"There are ambitions to expand the show through most of the sections, in particular the Cattle. Sheep and Horse classes. More exposure to modern-day farming with a Farmer's Market, an Artisan stall section, with Forestry and modern crop-growing methods and demonstrations, an involvement opportunity for the education sector, etc., plus classic and vintage vehicles and possibly even steam.

"There are also many sponsorship and advertising opportunities available.

"All this needs volunteers to help run such an event, anyone who feels they may be able to contribute in any way either in planning or on the day, please get in touch.

"My contact number is 07748328601, or email me at [email protected]"