After the terrible accident nr Taunton on the M5 this morning the motorway is likely to be closed until 9pm tonight.   I was due to go to Exeter (from N Somerset) for a show today but have decided not to as I don't really want to risk being stuck in the car or to add to the traffic chaos in the region.  I wonder too if some judges might even be prevented from getting there

Is there any point notifying someone at the show or will they just assume that absentees will be high?

If you are judging or stewarding then try to notify but if you are an exhibitor I would just stay home as the organisers will expect high absentees and would rather the phones were kept clear so they can get notification from judges and stewards whom they will have to replace.

I would imagine they will have delayed the start of judging, and will be expecting alot of absentees. We were due to go (from cornwall) but decided against it last night due to having far too much to do at home.

The M5 will be closed untill tomorrow at least.
My heart goes out to those involved it has been the most tragic of accidents.
Huge praise for the army of health professionals and fire crews who were involved they had, and still have a very distressing job to do.
Fog, rain, speed and distraction in the form of fireworks proved to be a lethal combination last night.
RIP all who have lost thier lives.
Aileen

Just listened to an eye-witness speaking about it on Radio 4, a chap from Wells who was caught up in it and helped save trapped people. He said while driving along, he hit a patch of fog so dense "it was like driving into a tin of emulsion". I literally grew cold and shivery while listening to his account, truly awful.