Q. Where will the new Big Top concerts be located?

The concerts will take place outside of the footprint of the Showground, in an area to the West, and will not impact on the traditional Show area. 

Q. Will the music impact on livestock? 

Animal welfare is our top priority, our staff team and directors all understand how to manage show livestock and have been fully engaged in the process. Our noise assessments will be carried out as normal and will comply with council regulations around noise pollution.  The stage will face away from the livestock areas, and the use of both directional PA systems pushing sound into the crowd within the ‘Big Top’ as well as noise limitation through the structure itself – we do not anticipate much additional sound bleed. 

Q. Can you provide more info on how concerts will be run – so exhibitors can decide whether to continue with Show prep or not.

The concerts will take place outwith the main showground on the west side well away from all areas where livestock and horses are stabled penned or stalled. The position of the stage will be facing west so all noise is travelling in the opposite direction to areas with animals. We can assure exhibitors that they will not be impacted by the addition of the concert, so they can continue to prepare for the Show as normal. 

 Q. Security concerns of stall holders

The Big Top venue is external to the Royal Highland Show site and will be fully secured with fencing and have dedicated security in place. 

Q. Traffic issues – already congested, is it going to be worse?

We have planned so that audiences from the two events will not cross over, so as to reduce congestion. Over the last number of years, we have made a concerted effort to encourage the use of public transport with the introduction of a robust traffic management plan. This will continue for 2022 and will extend to the traffic relating to the Big Top events.  

Q. Why have you decided to hold it at same time as RHS? Why not any other time of the year?

The Big Top events will take place throughout the month of June including the Royal Highland Show weekend.  We see this as enhancing the experience for our Show-goers, as those who wish to experience a big-name concert alongside the Show can now do so. People travel from far and wide to the Show, and it is for many their summer holiday. These concerts will give them an additional ‘into the night’ experience that has not been available in previous years. 

Q. How can the increased footfall be allowed under Covid restrictions?

We will run the event to comply with Covid-19 guidance at the time. The footfall from the concerts will not impact on footfall within the Show areas as they are two separate events in different areas. Both are separate events and will be treated as such. 

Q. Concerns that people contributed to Save Your Show. 

RHASS is extremely grateful to members who donated to the Save Your Show campaign. We committed at the time that we would do everything possible to look at every potential income stream to secure the ongoing financial security of the charity in order to protect the Show – this is one way of achieving this aim. We are confident that the Big Top events will enhance, not detract from, the Show experience which will remain unaffected by this additional event.

Q. What is the capacity of the new event -Is this why members are having to pre-register for the days that they are attending the Royal Highland Show? 

The Royal Highland Show’s capacity is completely separate to the capacity of the Big Top, they are separate events and take place in different parts of the Royal Highland Centre.  

Members this year are being asked to register the days they are attending because of Covid restrictions and also, like any other large-scale event, for public safety.  RHASS needs to understand how many people will be attending the site every day of the Show in order to be Covid compliant, ensuring there is enough space for people to enjoy the event and to make sure that security have an accurate idea of numbers of attendees and staff it accordingly. 

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