Suffolk Show director: We will not let ‘despicable’ Manchester terror attack break British spirit
The Suffolk Show 2017 quiz. Picture: PHIL SMITH - Credit: citizenside.com
Suffolk Show organisers have reassured the public they are “very well prepared” for next week’s two-day showpiece following last night’s terror attack in Manchester.
Bee Kemball, who is in her first of three years as Suffolk Show director. Picture: NIGEL BROWN - Credit: Archant
The bomb attack at Manchester Arena killed 22 people, including children, and injured dozens more in the worst terrorist incident to hit Britain since the July 7 atrocities. A 23-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident.
• Organisations across Suffolk have also shown support for the people of Manchester.
The Suffolk Show. Picture: ARCHANT - Credit: Archant
Bee Kemball, honorary show director at the Suffolk Show, said: “Firstly, our thoughts are with all the families of the Manchester victims. This was the most awful, despicable attack. It is hard to understand why anyone would do such a thing.
“As far as the Suffolk Show is concerned, we have been planning our event since last June. Our security planning is extensive. We work with the blue light services and the police all year round and we get the best advice and support from them. We have specialist support from the counter-terrorism units also.
“We feel very well prepared regarding the safety planning of all aspects of the Suffolk Show, and we also have 24-hour professional security contractors here on site. They remain with us until the end of next week and they work closely with us and the police.
“Personally, I feel people who do such horrific things should never deter the British people and our visitors from overseas from celebrating the things we love and love to do. If anything, this awful tragedy makes us at the Suffolk Show, and other events like us, more determined to ensure people never break our British spirit.
“Our show is bigger and better than ever before. It will be a safe show. We are full with tradestands, all our classes are brimming with competitors coming from far and wide and ticket sales are up on last year.
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“I know our visitors will come along and enjoy the show, and not let these evil perpetrators diminish what we hold dear as a British public.”
