One-day show set for a grand return
FARMERS are being urged to put their best beasts forward at the North Devon Show as livestock entries open ahead of its return later this year.
After a two-year Covid enforced absence, the leading agricultural event will be welcoming exhibitors, traders and visitors alike back to Umberleigh Barton Farm on Wednesday, August 3.
Celebrating the district’s vibrant rural heritage, the North Devon Show - run by the North Devon Agricultural Society - was last held in 2019, with many other one-day agricultural shows also losing their events because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Show secretary, Theresa Soanes, commented: “We’re all delighted that the North Devon Show is back, and from the messages we’ve received it’s been really missed by the North Devon public and beyond, as some travel far and wide to get here.
“A number of visiting tourists enjoy the event too, and this year we’d like to make it as family friendly as possible, with extra entertainment laid on to accompany all the traditional events.”
Making up the day’s programme of events will be crowd favourites such as the usual livestock classes, pig and poultry displays and a horticultural show. This year a new ‘food village’ will replace old food hall, alongside a crafts and gifts marquee, trade stands, equestrian events, dog shows and all the usual main ring activities.
A bumper show of entertainment is planned including a live music stage, circus, three-time UK’s Strongest Man winner Adrian Smith, a BMX display team, vintage cars and tractors, laser clay pigeon shooting, plus children’s fairground rides and much more.
And while the venue at Umberleigh Barton Farm remains the same, a new agreement between the North Devon Agricultural Society and Stagecoach means that free bus travel is available for anyone purchasing an advance ticket. Ms Soanes added: “I’m so pleased we can offer this to everyone who buys a ticket in advance. Buses will run from Barnstaple, Bideford, Torrington and South Molton, plus a link from Umberleigh railway station too. It really encourages use of public transport and it allows you to be dropped off right at the entrance, with priority access for all the buses, so no worrying about car queues.
“It helps everyone do their bit for the environment, and save on carbon emissions.”
Advance tickets are available now from various outlets across the South West region. For more information about the North Devon Show and how to purchase tickets, please visit the website www.northdevonshow.com