Show changes after heavy rain forecast
Events moved around to avoid washout
Aberfeldy has responded to the weather forecast and is hosting the Atholl and Breadalbane Show and Highland Gathering this Saturday and Sunday.
In a late change of plan due to recent heavy rainfall and more to come, it was decided by the show committee to hold the horse and pony events planned for Friday 9 on Sunday 11 instead, so as to protect the condition of the showground underfoot for Saturday’s main events and bigger crowds.
This had sadly meant there will be no food fair or craft fair and the funfair rides will be gone on Sunday, but to compensate, Sunday will be free entry.
This weekend, despite the need for a brolly, the agricultural town of Aberfeldy is hosting a tremendous gathering together of beauty, brawn and agricultural excellence.
The gates of the 2019 Aberfeldy Show and Highland Gathering will now open for the first time on Saturday, August 10 at 9am at Wades Park, just outside Aberfeldy over Wade’s Bridge.
Saturday morning is when the farmers in the area take the opportunity to compete against each other for the championships in the sheep and cattle sections which begin at 9am.
This is also when the judging of Highland ponies and Clydesdale horses begins.
Show secretary Morag Kennedy said: “There have been good numbers of entries for the ponies and Clydesdales. Be sure to come along and see some great examples, looking their best.”
From 11am Highland dancers will be competing.
On the Saturday afternoon there is a full programme of Highland games which begins with the arrival of the pipe band, marching from
(L-r): Billy Brady vice-chairman, Stewart McNeish treasurer, Nicky representing Aberfeldy Steamie and Stuart Wright Care, Johathan representing Dewars Aberfeldy Distillery, Morag Kennedy secretary and Roddy Thomson chairman
the Square, over the historic Wade’s Bridge and into Wade’s Park.
After lunch in the arena the heavyweight athletes will be throwing to impress.
During the afternoon the open Highland dancing competitions, piping competitions, the hill race, wrestling, tug o’ war, terrier racing, and the carrying of the Menzies Stone will all draw crowds.
“Many will come just to see the display of vintage tractors. And others will have their dogs at the ready to enter into a relaxed pet show.
Morag added she’s looking forward to the return of a local pipe band: “We are delighted we have
the Vale of Atholl Pipe Band for our 2019 games as the date often clashes with the world championships in Glasgow.
“But this year we are lucky and the pipes and drums from Pitlochry are able to attend.
“We have had good numbers of entries for cattle and sheep as well, so we hope Aberfeldy will have plenty to interest every member of the family.”
On Saturday adults go in for £10 and children £5.
And on Sunday there is a day packed day with equestrian events, several horse and pony classes which had been due to take place today, Friday until the rain made for adverse conditions.
The fun begins at 9am with the more serious show classes, then the working hunter classes and after lunch time, the fancy dress on horseback and rounding off the day with the mounted games.
The postponement of the horse and pony events to Sunday sadly means there will be no food fair, craft fair, funfair as they all have other commitments for Sunday.
“On the upside we will have catering, toilets and free admission,” said Morag. Entry on Sunday is free. On both days there is free car parking on the games field with volunteers on hand to help visitors find a good space.
We are delighted we have the Vale of Atholl Pipe Band for our 2019 games