The organisers of Stanhope Show have denied a man was banned from performing because of flying the Union Flag.
Jonathan Marshall, who performed his show 'Free Spirits' once over the weekend of the agricultural show, was asked to leave by organisers after complaints were made about his performance.
Mr Marshall, 57, said that he was banned from performing after raising the Union Flag during his performance on Saturday (September 13) and dedicating his animal-filled show to American conservative influencer Charlie Kirk who was shot dead last week.
Taking to social media on Saturday, Mr Marshall said: "Today I proudly flew the Union flag as I rode out at the Stanhope show.
"Sadly the organisers thought it was inappropriate and asked me to leave the show immediately. Ironically, I dedicated my performance to Charlie Kirk and like him."
Organisers disputed that Mr Marshall, who has performed with horses at shows around the country since 1986, was barred from performing because of the flag.
A spokesperson for Stanhope Agricultural Society said Mr Marshall was asked not to return to the show because he 'failed to follow a direct request' about his own show.
They said: "On Saturday, September 13, Stanhope Agricultural Society decided that Jonathan Marshall be asked to leave Stanhope Show.
"He was not asked to leave the show for the flying of the Union flag.
"The Union flag continues to be flown at Stanhope Agricultural show as it has done for 183 years.
Organisers said they had received complaints 'during and immediately after Jonathan Marshall’s first performance' and would be paid in 'full' for all planned performances.
Mr Marshall said that his show was "about love" and confirmed that he dedicated the performances to Charlie Kirk.
"Everything I do is about being positive," he said.
"I just want people to have a happy time."
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It comes as flags have appeared across the country as part of a campaign claiming that people should show pride in their national identity, leaving residents in some communities divided.
"I'm not a political person, I'm about love," he said, despite references to a march organised by far-right figure Tommy Robinson in his post addressing the controversy.
"I know that my support for freedom of speech and patriotism is hugely supported by the massive turnout today in London. Well done UK. Let’s Make Britain Great Again!" he wrote on his Facebook page in the aftermath of his ban.
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