Celebrating 102 years of the Berkshire region’s farming and rural community, The Royal County of Berkshire Show, today officially unveiled a brand new addition to its coveted event format – the first National Dexter Show. Prize-winning Dexters and sisters, Lady Munchington (aged 4 years) and Inky Minx (aged 18 months), were joined by Pluto the bull and Miss Berkshire herself, 22 year old Areerat Chorsanthiah from George Green, who shared her tips for the top with the three hopefuls who will all take part in the inaugural contest.
Small in size, but big in personality, Dexters are the smallest breed of cattle and are extremely attractive. Local Dexter cattle breeder and proud owner of Lady Munchington and Inky Minx, Felicity Wise from Wokingham, shared her thoughts on what she thinks will impress the judges: "Dexters are a fabulous breed with wonderful personalities, so it’s great to have a dedicated showcase spot at The Royal County of Berkshire show. Aesthetically, they should have a warm even colour all over, uniform teeth and good spacing between the eyes – they should also have good posture and balance as they will be judged on their walk."
The 2011 Royal County of Berkshire Show takes place on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th September this year and is set to be a bumper Show. The livestock shows are a firm favourite for visitors, who flock in droves to view the very best of Britain’s cattle, sheep, pigs, poultry and even IIamas. Another huge highlight display for 2011, is The Devil’s Horsemen in the main ring. These daredevil stunt riders will be performing Cossack style tricks on horseback at a gallop and will stun the crowds with their outstanding acrobatic skills. In addition The Band of The Brigade of Ghurkas will be performing in the main ring on both days; their military music is exceptional in that it is performed at a quicker march than their British counterparts.
Other big attractions include agricultural and countryside stands, a harvest festival service, a countryside pageant, a show garden, coaching parades, heavy horse displays, and scurry racing (ponies ’scurrying’ around a twisting course). On both days the cream of British show jumping are on display in the main arena - the final of the Show Jumping series is a fitting climax to the show. There are more than 500 stalls, offering visitors a real taste of the countryside, with plenty of local produce on display.
Children will be kept entertained with a visit to the old fashioned fun fair, where they can try out the ’Top Gear’ Simulator. Additionally, they can enjoy getting up close to reptiles in the Reptile Tent or visit the Wicker Man – an awe-inspiring 30ft man of wicker made by The Oxford Sculpture Project.
The annual event attracts over 60,000 people from around the UK with a broad range of attendees. Tickets for The Royal County of Berkshire Show are priced between £6 and £14 in advance and can be purchased through several authorised ticket outlets. For further information on the show and where to purchase tickets, please visit www.newburyshowground.co.uk, or call the box office on 01635 247 155.
