Only 1 677 visitors, more than 300 fewer than last year (1 993), attended Pats last Sunday and Monday (9-10 February) in Sandown. One of the main reasons for the sharp drop was probably Storm Ciara, which prevented many people from setting off and prevented visitors from abroad from even reaching the UK. British Airways, for example, had already cancelled flights the day before the fair.
The organisers of the fair nevertheless reported very positively: "We were satisfied with the high quality of the visitors," organiser Gordon Thomas is quoted as saying. He is certain that the pet product industry was not deterred by the terrible weather and travel conditions.
The next Pats will take place in Telford in September.
