Bumper crop of entries as show ready to delight us again
ALL THE OLD FAVOURITES, SUCH AS THE DANCING DIGGERS, HEADING BACK TO VENUE
ASHBOURNE Show is back, and this year organisers say they have had another bumper crop of entries for what will be the Ashbourne Shire Horse Society’s 130th show.
The one-day agricultural event at Osmaston Polo Ground, one of the biggest in Derbyshire, bounced back from the pandemic last year with a record attendance, despite the gates opening just weeks after lockdown restrictions were lifted.
And while the society confessed the 2021 event was a “difficult show to put together”, with social-distancing measures still being required, putting on an event for 2022 has been a much smoother process.
However, the legacy of another disease outbreak has had a small impact, with avian flu restrictions meaning the popular poultry show cannot go ahead this year, as live animal movements are still restricted.
An impact has also been seen on the proposed attendance by the show’s mainstay, the heavy horses, as the high cost of fuel appears to be putting off some breeders who would normally have travelled to the event on August 20.
But despite these minor setbacks, organisers say the show is still shaping up to be another to remember, with all the other usual trade stands, exhibitions, demonstrations, competitions and entertainment that brings so many families back to the polo ground every year.
Entries for the various classes closed last week, and show secretary Andrea Adams says plenty of people have put entries forward this year.
Livestock classes are being well supported, and the light horses competitions will return.
Marquees will include the familiar craft and food tents, along with the usual craft, produce and art, and competitions and displays by Ashbourne Camera Club and the Women’s Institute branches.
Arena entertainment this year will see a return of the JC Balls and Sons dancing diggers, along with a special show by Walburg Shires, driving six heavy horses and a carriage.
The arena displays will run twice on show day before making way for the classes, and the eventual event finale, the grand parade and the presentation of the King Edward Cup.
This year’s president is Peter Edge, a mainstay of the Ashbourne Shire Horse Society, who will be familiar
to crowds as the show’s main ring steward.
Children’s entertainment will include a magician and a bouncy castle.
Once again the society will be putting on free buses from Waterside Park, Ashbourne Bus Station, or Prestons Garage, and this service will start at 9.30am.
Tickets, priced at £12 in advance or £14 on the gate, are available by visiting ashbourneshow.co.uk