It is official, the 2020 Nimbin Show has been cancelled. The final decision was made at a recent meeting by the committee and announced by A&I Nimbin Showground President Phil Williams.

It is one of the smaller local shows on the annual calendar but no less important to our community, especially during these COVID-19 times when every other event has already been cancelled. During its 100th anniversary in 2019 over 5,000 people walked through the Nimbin Showground gates.

While disappointed Phil told the Lismore App the Nimbin Showgrounds is taking the opportunity to do some general repairs while upgrading facilities through Federal Government Grand Funding.

"We're putting in all weather footpaths and doing up some buildings so we'll be better prepared for the next disaster", Phil said.

On April 29 Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan awarded the Nimbin Showgrounds $445,000, their first grant in 20 years, to upgrade the facility including a new kitchen, awnings, holding yards, enclosing the existing large shelter and install roller doors.

While we have to look to 2021 for any local show activity this year, it has been announced that the Nimbin Roots Festival will be going ahead this year.

While most larger music festivals near Byron Bay have been cancelled the Nimbin Roots Festival will be held over three days on September 11 to 13 with headline acts Shane Howard, Tinpan Orange and Brad Butcher as well as 28 listed acts so far.

With an influx of people expected into Nimbin for the Roots Festival the camping facilities at the Showground are normally full but Phil Williams said "that depends on the government restrictions as we head into September". The Nimbin Showgrounds do not take bookings, it is "first in best dressed" according to Phil.