Christmas show primed to return in full, fine fettle
ORGANISERS of the 120th Truro Christmas Primestock Show are hoping to attract a large crowd as they prepare to stage a full programme of competitive events at Truro Livestock Market next week.
Traditionally held in the heart of the Cornish capital on Lemon Quay, the December showcase of local food and farming has most recently taken place in a reduced format with no domestic classes. Due to Covid19, it hasn’t been held on Lemon Quay since 2019.
For 2020 and 2021, farmers have exhibited their bullocks and lambs in the ring at Truro Livestock Market with the support of auctioneers Lodge and Thomas, allowing local butchers to purchase prize-winning stock for their customers in the runup to Christmas.
And this year, an increased entry of cattle and sheep will be judged and sold at the Newquay Road site on Wednesday, December 7 alongside entries in the fully restored farm produce and domestic sections which include classes for commercial vegetables, cookery and preserves, floral art and handicraft.
A spokesperson for the Truro Christmas Primestock and Produce Society Committee said: “Unfortunately, we are unable to hold our 120th annual Truro Christmas Primestock and Produce Society Show this year on Lemon Quay.
“The show has traditionally been a very popular event which brought the countryside and farming right into the heart of the city. It is believed to be the only primestock show in Britain to (normally) be held in the centre of a city.
“Visitors are able to see at close hand the very best of Cornwall’s prime cattle and sheep exhibited, judged and then auctioned, as well as being able to admire a wonderful show of farm produce, cookery, preserves, floral art, photography, crafts and a host of other exhibits.
“There has always been a wonderful atmosphere in the marquee, which provides a unique opportunity to see show cattle and sheep literally within a few yards of many of Truro’s major shops and stores. Although 2022 continues to mean things are a little different this year, we continue to explore how to return to the city centre in the future.”
On the day, the livestock classes will be judged under the cover of a marquee attached to the market, by kind permission of Lodge and Thomas. According to Jeff Thomas, chief cattle steward, this year’s renewal has attracted a record number of entries – more than in any of the previous ten years. “We are all very excited by the prospect and are looking forward to a very successful show,” he added.
“It is hoped that by holding our 120th show at Truro Livestock Market, we will continue with our very special agricultural show for many years to come.”
Show president Armorel Carlyon, also commented: “This show allows exhibitors to show their fabulous cattle and sheep, and gives the opportunity to local butchers to purchase prize winning animals so their customers can have the best of Cornish beef and lamb in time for Christmas.”
For further details, visit www.truroprimestockshow.co.uk or follow the Truro Christmas Primestock and Produce Show on Facebook.
‘We are all very excited by the prospect and are looking forward to a very successful show’ JEFF THOMAS, CHIEF CATTLE STEWARD