There are just weeks left to go until this year’s Dorset County Show, one of the county’s largest agricultural shows, that takes place at Dorchester Showground.
Organised by Dorchester Agricultural Society, the two-day annual show began in 1840 and will take place on Saturday September 1 and Sunday September 2. Over the weekend there are a variety of attractions, livestock, and fun for all the family to celebrate agriculture and rural life in Dorset. There will also be a range of competitive classes, trade stands and demonstrations.
For the first time in the history of the show, a touch of Middle Eastern culture will be coming to Dorchester for the main ring entertainment. Camel racing will be provided by Joseph’s Amazing Camels which have appeared on BBC’s Countryfile and are also the stars of advertising campaigns including the British airline EasyJet. It promises to be a highlight attraction and one not to be missed over the weekend.
The Fabulous Food & Farming Education Area is also a new addition for the 2018 show offering, which will provide visitors with information about the important role farming plays in our lives and where our food comes from.
Throughout the weekend competitive classes will be taking place for more than 20 different breeds of cattle, over 30 different breeds of sheep, goats and pigs, as well as in homecraft, horticulture and sheep shearing. Poultry, rabbits and alpacas will also be on show, with falconry displays, scurry racing and the Grand Parade of award-winning livestock will take place in the main ring.
Food lovers will have an extensive range of hand-picked catering concessions to choose from, each specialising in a different type of cuisine, showcasing local food producers from across Dorset. There will also be more than 450 trade stands at the show and high-end country items will be found in the specialist Shopping@theAvenue marquee.
Will Hyde, show secretary, said: “The countdown to this year’s Dorset County Show has officially begun and the final preparations are well underway. We have seen a fantastic entries in our competitive classes and it is great to see the county continuing to support the show in this way.
“We are proud to be in our 178th year and look forward to hosting a weekend of fun and agriculture for the whole county and beyond to enjoy, whatever the weather.”
Prior to the show, Dorchester Agricultural Society will be hosting an Auction of Promises on Wednesday, August 29 from 7.30pm at Dorchester Showground, in aid of the Dorset County Hospital Charity Cancer Appeal. Tickets are £15 and available to purchase by phone on 01305 264249.
To find out more details on what’s planned for Dorset County Show and to book tickets, please visit dorsetcountyshow.co.uk or call 01305 264249. Children under 16 go free and tickets are £15 until August 25 when the price rises to £18. Tickets can also be purchased on the day at the show.
