Dedicated hardcore kept the spirit burning bright for the Harborough at War event

Harborough at War may have fallen victim to the Covid-19 pandemic this summer but a dedicated hardcore kept the spirit burning bright at a special barbeque.

About 30 people turned up at the socially-distanced event at Market Harborough Showground on Gallow Field Road on Sunday.

They gathered after the huge two-day wartime spectacular set to go ahead on the weekend of August 8-9 had to be scrapped.

Steve Crook, the show’s director, said: “It’s a big shame that we had to call it off last month but sadly we had no choice.

“Harborough at War was such a massive success here last year, attracting over 5,000 people, that we were really looking forward to topping it this year.

“But along came the coronavirus and that was that.

“So it was great to get together with about 30 volunteers and supporters on Sunday at our very own Dig for Victory area on the Showground and talk about the future.”

The optimistic businessman said they are already gearing up to roar back “bigger and better” in Market Harborough in August 2021.

“We have so many things already lining up for Harborough at War next year.

“We cannot wait.

“We are trying to bring international traders here for the show – we’ve got 72 acres at our disposal after all,” said Steve, who lives in Market Harborough.

“All being well we’ll be up and running across three days next year – from Friday August 6 to Sunday August 8.

“We all have to put our shoulder to the wheel to do our best to both entertain people and charge up our local economy again.

“Talking about the Second World War, we all need to flash back 80 years to call up the unique Dunkirk Spirit and the Blitz Spirit.

“That spirit got this country through some of the toughest years in our history.

“And now we have to rev that community feeling and togetherness back up again as we try to battle through these unprecedented times.”