A show chairman has responded after a row over a men-only tradition sparked outrage.

Dartmouth Fatstock Show, an annual event held for over 100 years took place yesterday, on Tuesday, December 11, at the Old Market Square in Dartmouth.

Female competitors expressed their frustration the annual evening dinner bars women from attending.

In response, Phil Bond, chair of the Fatstock Show has defended the nationwide accusations.

He said: “As part of the hospitality offered during the day, the judges, who receive no expenses are invited to a dinner in the evening to round off the days activities.

“This is not an awards ceremony as it has been incorrectly described elsewhere in the media.

“To date this has been a male only event with toasts, speeches, joke telling and fundraising.  

“Lady judges and the judge’s wives are also given hospitality and they are taken to lunch. 

“Over recent years there have been suggestions that the Gentlemen’s dinner should be opened up to women. However, in the past the women on the committee have said they would not want to attend and instead have been happy to meet informally for dinner.

“At this years’ September meeting a motion was put forward to allow ladies to an evening dinner. The motion was defeated, with men and women voting on both sides of the debate.

“It was apparent from the motion that things may need to change in the future. However, an inclusive dinner will alter the dynamic of the event considerably, and this needs to be considered along with the likely decrease in fundraising.

“We are not the only organisation to hold a single sex dinner. We could name several who do, but wouldn’t wish anyone else to experience the 48 hours that we have.

“We are not entrenched in tradition, but the continuity and success of the event is something we hold dear. No doubt we are capable of ‘moving with the times’, but we as a committee will look at the options.”

A farmer, Chloe Quantick told the Chronicle last week: “I feel the show needs to move forward with tradition and accept women.”

She said women work “just as hard as men” when it comes to their stock.

“I have been to 22 shows this year showing my pedigree stock and commercials. There is a lot more women exhibitors now in the cattle, sheep or even pigs.”

Chloe, who was awarded champion said she was “extremely pleased” with the results.

She also spoke to the BBC and said: “They need to stop being a bit sexist and let us in there.”