Bahrain's largest and most colourful annual gardening event has been cancelled this year, organisers have confirmed.

Initially scheduled to take place from February 25 to 27, the eighth Bahrain International Garden Show (BIGS) was postponed until this week following the outbreak of anti-government demonstrations on February 14. A spokeswoman said yesterday that it has now been cancelled due to the ongoing unrest and the seasonal nature of the event.

BIGS features exhibits, garden displays, lectures, demonstrations and publications all geared to the theme, Inspiring Agricultural Sustainability.

The three-day show was due to be held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad, with the support of his wife Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa.

A number of participants dropped off the show after the first postponement, but over 80 exhibitors had initially signalled their attention to attend at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre on the revised dates of April 8 to 10.

United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (Unido) came on board this year to help organisers market the show regionally and internationally. UNIDO was also due to hold a series of workshops during the show, targeted at all sectors involved in agriculture. Traditionally, the Amateur Flower and Vegetable Competition, organised by the Bahrain Garden Club (BGC), takes place alongside the exhibition.

However, after the original postponement the results of the competition were announced.

BIGS is the latest major event to be affected due to the situation in Bahrain.

Other events that had been postponed include the Bahrain International Motor Show, Bahrain Boat Show International, Middle East Oil Show, Cisco Live! Bahrain, the gulfBID and gulfINTERIORS exhibitions. Several events scheduled to take place as part of Bahrain's Spring of Culture were also cancelled.-TradeArabia News Service