It’s show time
THIS summer sees the welcome return of agricultural shows in their full glory, after two years of cancellations or pared-down editions. Heading the calendar is the Royal Bath & West Show, which promises ‘a threeday gala of Great British farming, equine competitions and rural crafts’ on June 2–4.
‘We are delighted that we will have a full show this year,’ says the show’s chairman elect (and COUNTRY LIFE contributor) Rupert Uloth. ‘The grand parade of livestock in our main ring has to be one of the finest sights in rural England and one that we have sorely missed for three years.’
The parades are not only a highlight for visitors and a key event for farmers, but can also help save rare native breeds. ‘We are particularly enjoying the return of the RBST
Young Shepherd competition in person at country shows across the UK,’ says John Atkinson, chairman of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust. ‘Rare breeds offer so much economic, environmental and recreational value and the return of country shows brings back one of the forums where we can look to encourage new interest in them.’
More than 150,000 people are expected to flock to the Royal Bath & West to enjoy the livestock and equine classes, delicious produce and entertainment, as well as ‘meet up, socialise and exchange ideas,’ as Mr Uloth notes. But it’s not only the end of the pandemic restrictions that makes this year’s show especially significant: ‘We are making the most of the jubilee week to celebrate the contribution of our monarch, who has been on the throne for 70 years and the patron of the Royal Bath and West Society for the same period.’ CP