Crufts 2021 postponed precautionary to summer

Signs are set that 2021 continue in the same way as in 2020. Due to the current situation, the English Kennel Club has announced that the Crufts will be postponed next year. Instead of March 11-14, as planned, the world’s largest dog fair will be held from July 15th to 18th. The reason for the postponement is the second Covid-19 lockdown in England and the low prospect of improvement until March. According to the press release there is still more leeway for the date, depending on the development of the pandemic. So it is not surprising that they are planning to hold the event as usual at the National Exhibition Center in Birmingham. However, there will probably be restrictions in terms of implementation. Such as limited audience numbers, mask requirements and other possible scenarios. It is currently unclear whether the event can be held in the usual size or not to do justice to the available space. The Crufts 2021 would be the 130th anniversary of the event.

Crufts Show Manager Vanessa McAlpine announced this and more in a press release: “We are absolutely delighted to be able to look forward to a special summer Crufts Dog Show taking place next year and are thankful to the NEC for being flexible in finding us an alternative date and of course all our sponsors, judges, exhibitors and trade stands for their continued support. The Kennel Club will be working with the dog clubs and societies who already have shows planned for these dates to offer them assistance and other options for their events.”

“There is optimism in the events industry as to the likelihood of summer events taking place with the new Crufts dates falling in a fortnight when hopefully some of our great British summer sporting events will also be returning. We know there are going to be many challenges and will need to remain adaptable to how the show will look as our priority is to not only the dogs, but our exhibitors and visitors whose welfare will always be at the forefront. We will continue to review the situation over the coming months and will adapt our plans as appropriate, however we are very excited to be able to plan for ‘Crufts in the summer’ to celebrate our wonderful dogs and to give our dog loving community something to look forward to next year.”

Source: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/media-centre/2020/november/crufts-to-go-ahead-new-date-announced/