The Newark and Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society defends decision to host the Vegan Camp-Out at the Newark Showground after being dubbed 'sinister'
An agricultural society has defended a decision to allow Newark Showground to be used for a vegan camp-out.
The Newark and Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society was criticised by the Countryside Alliance who claim the event was an opportunity for animal rights extremists.
Vegans from around the world pitched tents and took part in workshops at the meat-free three-day Vegan Camp-Out in what organisers describe as a family-friendly event supportive of farming.
Newark Showground has been booked for the same event in 2020, sparking fresh concern from countryside campaigners.
The decision to allow its use was branded both ridiculous and dangerous by the alliance — a rural campaigning group.
Tim Bonner, chief executive of the alliance, which has more than 100,000 member across the UK, said: “While at first the vegan camp-out comes across as a place for like-minded people to meet up, exchange recipes and chomp on tofu, it’s clear there’s a much darker side to it.
“If you dig beyond the flashy Instagram posts, it is a much more sinister affair.
“It is totally baffling for an event like this to be held on land which is meant to promote farming and best practice.”
It is claimed that as well as a controversial line up, participants were given lectures in grassroots activism.
A member of the show society, Roger Jackson said: “Newark Showground is one of the leading venues in the Midlands, if not England.
“We stage many events with varied organisers.
“This was a three-year contract and the first two years have passed without a hitch.
“It is a well-organised, very-friendly event centred around food and music.
“In speaking to staff, you couldn’t meet a nicer group of people who are simply expressing a lifestyle choice.
“The events that we hold are there to financially support the three big shows we hold every year, such as the county show, which doesn’t turn a profit, but is vital in promoting agriculture.”
A spokesman for the Vegan Camp Out said the event was a family-friendly gathering and promote a lifestyle centred around compassion.
“The event includes fitness workshops, live music, delicious food, and talks from a variety of people,” they said.
“The Camp-Out does not promote, engage in or otherwise encourage violent behaviour or illegal activity.
“The Camp-Out and Camp-Out organisers are not opposed to agriculture or farming as a whole, as veganism requires both farming and agriculture to produce amazing plant-based food.”
Tim Bonner said he hoped the showground would reconsider, in keeping with what he described as their honourable objectives.
READ MORE:
The hidden secrets of this stately home are to be unveiled
Travel firm issues statement on speculation business is on brink of collapse
Newark Book Festival 2020 planning already begun after this year's success
