Bill Cowling, show director, said calling off the three-day show was "the most difficult decision" he’d ever had to make.
"It is heartbreaking for all concerned, our exhibitors, our visitors and our staff. The decision has been made because our car parks have become too muddy to use with any safety, and the safety of our visitors has to come first. We are also conscious of our neighbours and did not want to risk people parking inconsiderately in Harrogate.
He said the show would refund all tickets for today and tomorrow.
Preparations were made to combat the wet weather, including installing new roads and drainage systems.
"We have had more rain in the last month than ever before. Our showground is robust and has held up well, but if we cannot park cars safely then to cancel is a most difficult decision, but it is the right one," said Cowling.
This is the 154th Great Yorkshire Show and it was hoped more than 130,000 visitors would attend. In that time, the show has been called off just three times, for two world wars and in 2001, due to foot and mouth disease.
Could the industry have done anything to prevent shows falling foul of the wet weather? Comment below to have your say.
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