Kent Messenger Maidstone

Family fun on the farm to celebrate 90 years of show

- Words: Jess Sharp Pictures: John Westhrop and Andrew Beck

Children and their parents were in their element this weekend as the Kent County Show got underway for the 90th year in a row. Thousands headed out in the scorching sunshine to have some fun in a farm like setting.

This year the event celebrated everything agricultur­al with a family friendly twist. Despite keeping the traditions of the summer event alive, organisers included a variety of activities for little ones to enjoy.

The headlining act featured a world champion cossack riding team.

The Internatio­nal Dzhigitovk­a Show brought thrills and spills to the main area at Detling Showground­all on horseback.

The British Dzhigitovk­a Team was joined by current world champion Sergey Murugov, to showcase their world class military and gymnastic skills, with flaming jumps, archery, and human pyramids.

Youngsters were also able to enjoy free pony rides and a fairground including a giant wheel and a huge helter skelter.

The returning favourite Tractor Ted bouncy castle made an appearance as well, along with some other friends.

There were more than 1,500 animals on the grounds across threeday-long event.

One show featured dog and ducks, with Stuart Barnes, giving a demonstrat­ion on how to use a pups body language to make them understand your commands.

The dog would then herd the ducks into different areas of the arena. The final act featured the birds waddling up a small set of stairs and jumping into a paddling pool.

Mr Barnes, 47, said: “I have been coming to the show for 16 years. It is such a lovely event.” He also ran a sheep show, in which the animals would dance to music

 ??  ?? Millie Austin, nine, from Canterbury seeks sanctuary from the sun in a digger claw
Millie Austin, nine, from Canterbury seeks sanctuary from the sun in a digger claw
 ??  ?? From left, Orson Anning, five and Alice Nobbs, KM Events Promotiona­l Employee play jenga
From left, Orson Anning, five and Alice Nobbs, KM Events Promotiona­l Employee play jenga
 ??  ?? Daniel Hilton, a sculptor from Canterbury, carves a Hedgehog
Daniel Hilton, a sculptor from Canterbury, carves a Hedgehog
 ??  ??
 ??  ?? A group of electric trial bikers put on a display of tricks in one of the grass arenas
A group of electric trial bikers put on a display of tricks in one of the grass arenas
 ?? 13455954 ?? Lewis Saxby, 14, from Margate in a digger
13455954 Lewis Saxby, 14, from Margate in a digger
 ??  ?? Charlie Brailsford on a quad bike pushed by his mother
Charlie Brailsford on a quad bike pushed by his mother

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