Larger Showground – Higher Profile for Agriculture
The agriculture content of this year's Kent Show is being dramatically increased as Kent County Agricultural Society is actively re-engaging its strong ties with the farming industry.
The strong message being portrayed in this year's Kent Show is that farming is a force for good in the countryside. It is vital to the quality and security of our food supplies, to the environment, the economy and rural life. That's why the Kent County Agricultural Society has joined with the NFU and CLA to mount a Why Farming Matters exhibit in the Agricultural Zone for the 2007 show. The main purpose of the area will be to connect with the general public about the issues related to farming. The partners behind the Why Farming Matters zone include Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), Produced In Kent and Hadlow College. Visitors of all ages are sure to enjoy cookery demonstrations, tastings of local produce, a food miles quiz and the 'cereals story' area. This boasts growing crops and their by-products, a combine harvester and a chance to mill wheat into flour. The CLA will advise consumers how to help secure the future for British farming by actively buying British – its Just Ask campaign explains how. Hadlow College will be on hand to inspire people to take up a career related to farming or land management. Also, there will be a mock auction of Romney sheep, supported by Lambert and Foster and Hobbs Parker. The auctioneer's patter will tell you all about the origins of this hardy breed, its value for meat and wool and the role of sheep in land management. The Why Farming Matters exhibit is being funded by SEEDA, the South East England Development Agency, in recognition of the invaluable contribution that the land-based sector makes to our everyday lives.
Kent County Agricultural Society's General Manager, David Goff stated "Farming is essential to the Garden of England and the quality of life that its people currently enjoy. This year's 'Why Farming Matters' exhibit aims to highlight the importance of agriculture and horticulture in our everyday lives, by engaging positively with consumers. Farming provides quality, secure food supplies, beautiful countryside, jobs and opportunities for outdoor leisure. Farming can make a big difference to us in the future too – providing solutions to climate change."
To compliment the Why Farming Matters area there will also be a seminar with the same title and among the speakers will be Lord Haskins, Peter Kendall (President of the NFU), and David Fursdon (President of the CLA). Richard Phillips, the Kentish based celebrity chef and co-proprietor of Thackeray's restaurant will also speak at the seminar on why local produce is important to him and his business.
A really encouraging aspect to this year's Show is an increase of Young Farmers' entries which has meant an additional marquee will be put up to accommodate the large numbers of livestock coming to the Show. David Goff added "It is excellent news that more and more young people are interested in getting involved in agriculture". In addition to the increased activity there will be a major drive towards using local produce in the Members' area and the picnic area will feature all produce from Kent, which is being co-ordinated by Produced in Kent.
The 2007 Kent Show will increase in size for the second year running by a further 41,000 square metres. The Detling Steam Rally which has been held as an independent event for 30 years has now been amalgamated into the main Show and will be hosted in the new area. This will enhance the Show, by adding various attractions from an original Wall of Death, The Kent Youth Trials Bike demonstration, as well as, military vehicles, buses, vintage cars & motorcycles, traction engines, stationary engines and commercial vehicles.
Another new attraction this year will be the Murrain Wood Food Court where visitors will be able to enjoy a whole host of delicious delicacies amongst a beautiful woodland setting. Other attractions within this area include a new pathway that will lead to the working horses of Natural Traction. The horses will be working in the forestry area demonstrating how they carry out an environmentally friendly alternative to the task of timber extraction.
One of the Kent Show's most endearing demonstrations has to be The Sheep Show which is a fun and educational look at the various breeds of sheep with the emphasis on wool. The show is now more popular than ever before and should definitely be on everyone's must see list. The show is presented by New Zealanders Richard Savory and Stuart Barnes and is fun for all ages. Don't miss the famous 'Sheep Show Shuffle' and the fascinating live shearing demonstration.
The Adrenaline Zone returns again this year with attractions such as the reverse bungee jump and kiddie's quad bikes. For the more energetic of you, Ceroc Kent will be holding dancing demonstrations and lessons should you feel the need to strut your stuff! Of course the stage will be featuring live music through the weekend showcasing some of the latest up and coming talent from the area.
If you are still searching for fun and excitement then keep your wits about you as you may just stumble across a futuristic robot. At about nine feet tall Titan is one of the most visually stunning robotic creations you are ever likely to see this side of the universe and is set to perform his entertaining show throughout the day whilst roaming the Showground.
There really is so much more to see and do at this year's Kent Show from watching top class show jumping events to the many varied animals within the extensive livestock displays. For the horticultural enthusiast, there will be plants and garden displays as well as the many vegetables, fruit and floral exhibitions that the Show is famous for. Lastly don't forget that there are over 500 trade stands which will cater for the most ardent shop-a-holics amongst you. With all this and more the Kent Show has everything for the whole family. Where else will you find a better day out this summer?
Advance tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at www.kentshow.co.uk or via the Ticket Hotline on 01622 633060.
