Western Morning News

Cornish one day show is a goer for 2022

- ATHWENNA IRONS athwenna.irons@reachplc.com

ORGANISERS of one of Cornwall’s most-loved agricultur­al shows have fired the starting gun for its anticipate­d return in 2022.

The Liskeard Show, held just a few miles from the town at Merrymeet, has not taken place for the last two years because of the Covid-19 pandemic, and last took place in 2019.

Traditiona­lly kicking off the South West’s busy summer season of one-day shows, the event typically attracts around 8,000 visitors to enjoy equine and livestock showing classes, vintage tractor displays, a variety of trade stands and main ring entertainm­ent.

But at this year’s annual general meeting, the Liskeard Show committee decided to start planning for July next year, with a return date of Saturday, July 9 being agreed by members.

It’s been a tough few years but as chairman Colin Dymond explains, the time feels right to get the show back on the road. “There’s nothing worse than having to cancel such a popular annual show, but we had to consider the safety of everyone as the pandemic took a hold,” he said.

“However, we’re feeling confident about 2022 and it was a lovely moment at our annual general meeting when we voted unanimousl­y to get going again next year. It’s a moment of celebratio­n for us all and we are looking forward to welcoming back the 8,000 people who attend.”

General secretary, Beckie Breyley, added that work now begins in earnest to prepare for the 2022 Liskeard Show, one of the biggest one-day shows in the South West and featuring something for everyone. “We’re delighted that our show always attracts very high quality entries in a range of classes from cattle and sheep to dogs, donkeys, horses, poultry, fruit, vegetables and flowers.

“It’s a busy and action-packed day for everyone, whether you’re a visitor or a competitor, and we’re all very excited about getting to work to prepare for the show that’ll be held on Saturday, July 9, 2022.”

The Liskeard Show, now in its 117th year, is held at Merrymeet (PL14 3LE) just outside Liskeard, with the gates opening to the public from 9am. As well as the animal classes there’s a wide range of attraction­s, from Cornish food and drink to crafts and more than 240 retail, craft and charity stands. There are also children’s activities, main ring entertainm­ent, music and plenty of free car parking.

Only a handful of agricultur­al shows, including Devon County, Mid Devon and Honiton, were held this year amid ongoing Covid-19 restrictio­ns.

For further informatio­n about the Liskeard Show, please visit the website www.liskeardsh­ow.org

 ?? Athwenna Irons ?? The Liskeard Show usually attracts livestock exhibitors from throughout Cornwall and Devon
Athwenna Irons The Liskeard Show usually attracts livestock exhibitors from throughout Cornwall and Devon

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