After being cancelled this year for the first time since World War II due to COVID-19, the 152^nd show has been confirmed for April 30 to May 2, two weeks later than the original dates confirmed two years ago.

Bathurst A, H and P executive secretary Brett Kenworthy said the show was moved ahead to lessen clashes with similar events across the state.

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"Our event always runs as the first agricultural show after the Sydney Royal Easter Show on the Western NSW autumn run," Mr Kenworthy said.

"Because the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW decided to move the Sydney show forward a week [April 1 to 12], we've moved our show ahead to maintain a consistent schedule for travelling exhibitors and ride operators."

Mr Kenworthy said the show weekend, in normal times, is usually easy to predict on the basis of the Sydney show dates, as well as where Easter falls each year.

"The Sydney show generally finishes on the Tuesday after Easter, but has been moved ahead next year to align with the school holidays and avoid weekend peaks," he said.

"Because of this, we had to review our dates not only for the comfort of exhibitors and ride operators, but to avoid clashes with the Hawkesbury, Orange and Dubbo shows.

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"It was difficult to coordinate, because neither Hawkesbury nor Dubbo wanted to move, so we pushed ahead two weeks, meaning Orange will clash with us if they don't move.

"We were presented with the option of moving back to October, which isn't possible because we lose our sheep for showing purposes [they're shorn by then], as well as a key ride operator from Victoria [Chants Amusements]."

Mr Kenworthy said the nature of next year's show is subject to future developments regarding COVID-19 public health orders.

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"I think a lot of agricultural shows, like other sectors, will have to reconsider how they operate, even if it means 'tightening the belts' a lot," he said.

"With that said, I do think people will be happy to get out and about again; we might have to introduce measures such as electronic ticketing and COVID-safe plans, but if it ensures we can run, so be it."

"We're currently allowed 500 people within the Bathurst Showground and to return to our normal levels, we'd need clearance to allow crowds of 4000 to 5000 at any given time."