The Newbury agricultural show is coming back next year.

And it is understood that its organisers are in talks with BBC’s Countryfile programme to jointly put the show on.

The Newbury and District Agricultural Society (NADAS) held an AGM attended by around 100 people last Thursday, at which the plans were discussed.

The society would not officially confirm the details as it is believed final details are still being worked through with the BBC.

But the show will be back next September, and is likely to be run over three rather than two days.

The move marks a turnaround for the financially beleaguered showground, which is now claiming to be in the black rather than in the red.

It has also made a bid to West Berkshire Council to relax planning restrictions to allow it to run events over the winter months.

Those plans have yet to be decided on.

“Through the winter the outgoings are higher than income,” explained board member Steve Ackrill.

“But we are happy with the way things are going. If we can use the building through the four extra months that will really help.”

He said the society now had a surplus of £96k.

“So everything is heading in the right direction and we are forecasting a £50k profit for this current year,” he added.

“I am very pleased. But we have a way to go, I’m not disputing that.”

The financial position of the Newbury and District Agricultural Society was under the spotlight last year following a financial loss the previous year of almost £200,000.

It was rumoured that the society, which runs the showground, would be put into administration unless land was sold to developers.

That move prompted a membership coup ousting the board last year. More than 500 people had responded to an online poll run by the Save The Showground group, with 98 per cent in favour of keeping ownership with the society.

The 177-acre site, which is located in a prime spot at the crossroads of the M4 and A34 at Chieveley, has been home to the Royal County of Berkshire Show since 1984.

However, substantial six figure losses from the 2018 and 2019 shows, combined with a fall in showground lettings income, a large bank loan and the reduction in free cash reserves meant even before the pandemic the society’s finances were “not in good shape”.