Annual ‘must-see’ on the city calendar
There is no other show like it in Scotland.
For two days every year, the centre of Perth resounds to the lowing of cattle, the bleating of sheep, the braying of donkeys and the clatter of horses’ hooves as the annual Perth Show brings the farming community right into the heart of the city.
For 157 years, Perth has enjoyed the unique distinction of hosting Scotland’s only agricultural show to be held in a city centre.
During that time, the popular event has evolved to become one of Scotland’s leading agricultural showcases with a packed twoday programme of agriculture, equestrian, food and fun events guaranteed to appeal to everyone
This year Perth Show will be held on the city’s South Inch on Friday, August 2 and Saturday, August 3.
And organisers are promising the 157th annual spectacular will be another crowd pleaser in a show that competes with the best in Scotland, thanks to the support of main sponsors Binn Group and key supporters Morris Leslie, Morris Young, United Auctions, Morrison & McKay and QMS.
Attractions include one of the finest line-ups of would-be champion horses, donkeys, goats, cattle and sheep.
Over 1200 heads of livestock will compete in around 360 classes while other competitors vie for prizes in cooking and handcraft.
And throughout the two days, trade stands, sideshows, entertainment, activities, shopping, music and parades all add to the vibrancy of this annual “must see” on the Perthshire events calendar.
Show secretary Neil Forbes said this year’s event will again not only appeal to the agricultural community but also the general public and city residents.
He said: “Perth Show has evolved to offer a vast range of entertainments and attractions and 2019 will build on the successes of the most popular elements from recent years as well as introducing new activities to appeal to young and old alike.”
Perth Show’s status in Scotland has attracted two major national livestock shows to this year’s event.
The Scottish Regional Progeny Show for Blue Faced Leicester Sheep and the Hereford Cattle Society Scottish National Show have both opted to bring their respective events to Perth Show as a key platform to showcase their breeds in Scotland.
“This is a great coup for Perth Show as it will bring in additional livestock from across the country and also attract those particularly interested in seeing the best of those breeds,” said Neil. “Any show is a shop window to display the finest bloodlines and it will be good for Perth Show regulars to see the finest pedigree animals.
“Both organisations have chosen Perth Show before to showcase their pedigree stock and it will be great to welcome them back.”
Perth Show has always been known for showcasing some of the finest animals across all breeds year on year and this August looks set to be no different with around 1200 animals viewing for the silverware.
Outwith the stock pens, two highlights of last year’s show are set to make a welcome return - private driving and Pony Club games following their wide appeal last year.
Perthshire On A Plate food festival draws thousands to the food and drink marquee for a two-day programme featuring cookery demonstrations by celebrity and local chefs at the food theatre, food and drink producers offering tastings and sales in the produce marquee and chefs from local restaurants offering taster-size portions from several local eateries in the pop-up dining area.
This year’s headliners at Animals will be at the centre of the showpiece event Perthshire On A Plate - supported by Blackhills Specialist Dental Clinic, Scotch Lamb PGI and Perth College UHI - are breakfast TV favourite celebrity chef Phil Vickery on the Friday and Scotland’s own ‘MasterChef: The Professionals’ winner Gary Maclean heading up the Saturday line-up.
Baking and handicraft skills will be on display at the muchloved farmhouse kitchen and SWI