The long-awaited Epping Town Show will go ahead, despite the Government’s delay of ‘freedom day’.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson last week confirmed ‘freedom day’ on June 21 – the end of all Covid-related social restrictions – would be delayed by up to four weeks.

With Epping’s Town Show set for July 4, questions arose whether the much-loved event would go ahead.

The town councils has quashed those fears, confirming the show will go on.

Dozens of community and trade stalls and a host of sideshows are promised at Stonards Hill recreation ground.

The show - which is the first for two years following lockdown last July - will also feature a funfair and programme of arena acts and entertainment, including pipe and silver bands, dancing, Morris dancing and singers.

Various refreshment options will be available, including a hog roast.

There will also be Punch and Judy shows, a Science Show, donkey rides petting farm animals, a chance to meet alpacas, and a children's area.

Epping's Tesco store has kindly given Epping Town Council a supply of water bottles for volunteers and helpers.

Entry to the show - which runs from noon until 5pm - is free and limited car parking will be available.

Anyone visiting the show can also take their dogs and deckchairs - and are encouraged to take their own sanitiser.

About 5,000 people attended the last Epping Town Show in 2019 and more than 60 stalls were pitched.

The Town Show will only go ahead in line with the roadmap out of the coronavirus lockdown and will adhere to the Government's Covid-19 guidelines.

A council spokesman said: "As the Covid-19 situation continues, there will be changes to the look and format of the event to allow for social distancing such as two metres between stalls, and the whole event will be outside on the recreation ground."