With summer just around the corner, Newark & Nottinghamshire County Show on 10 and 11 May heralds the beginning of the agricultural and farming showcase season.
Show organisers remain buoyant with entries for livestock coming in steadily despite any concerns over repeat outbreaks of Blue Tongue Disease.
Both Rare Breed cattle and also British Native Breed cattle are a focus for attention with a major new promotion being launched this year. Sponsored by the Chetwode Foundation, the promotion will provide additional support to owners of both British Native Cattle as well as Rare Breed Cattle who exhibit at the show. The show is a showcase for the best of British Livestock and this initiative aims to build on the excellent support that the cattle exhibitors already give to the Newark & Notts.
Alongside this promotion, the new Young Pig Handler classes will attract attention from the next generation. With pig farmers facing difficult financial times at present, these inaugural classes are sure to be popular with visitors.
Beef and dairy cattle as well as sheep, goats and Alpacas will also be exhibited. Last year the British Alpaca Society had a record entry of 464 at this, its National Show, making it the largest Alpaca Show held in Europe.
Rural crafts will be displayed in giant teepees and a new village green area will contain many traditional games such as a coconut shy, splat the rat and horseshoe throwing organised by the NFU.
The NFU will also be running the Education Treasure Hunt for local school children with the winning school enjoying a day's Farm Visit. Children taking part in the Treasure Hunt will gain free access to the show on production of their entry form at the gate.
Local food and produce will be on display in the Food Hall. Following the success of last year's move to the George Stephenson Hall, exhibitors will have increased space while the popular cookery demonstrations will once again feature Rachel Green and Teresa Bovey, among others.
Two days of entertainment will take place in the Main Ring, including the Stuntworld Motor Cycle Display Team from Collingham Notts, Dancing Doe tractors (Saturday), parades of hounds, the J C Balls Dancing Diggers (Sunday) and the Phoenix Falcons as well as equestrian showing classes, the popular heavy horses and cattle parade (Sunday).
There are many new attractions at Newark for 2008 - in the Main Ring spectators can watch the recently-devised Heavy Horse Obstacle Course competition, where these huge animals are skillfully driven round a course of cones against the clock, while in the specially created South Ring displays will include sheep racing, Wagtails Dog Agility and donkey judging.
Other displays around the showground will be sheep shearing, steam engines and vintage and classic cars. These are in addition to the Food Court, trade stands and many other attractions including a Federation of Small Businesses sponsored exhibition of stands in the Newark pavilion.
Visitors can save on entrance ticket prices by booking in advance, over the telephone or online, saving £5.00 on a family ticket, £2.00 on adult and concessions and £1.00 on child tickets. Gates are open from 8.00 a.m. until 6.00 p.m.
Newark & Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society Membership is available at £25.00 for one adult, £35.00 for joint membership and £40.00 for a family. Membership entitles the holder to a number of privileges including free entry both days of the County Show, the Vintage Tractor and Heritage Show in November as well as additional facilities on the showground.
As last year, for an additional payment, members can enjoy the Members' Ringside Club in the marquee adjacent to the Main Ring where they can enjoy live music, and refreshments, including a 3-course lunch, will be served.
So don't miss this great day out – put the date in your diary and book your tickets! For further information or to book your advance/membership tickets, please call 0870 224 1035 or visit: www.newarkshowground.com.
