ORGANISERS of the 135th Bowes Show are pulling out all the stops to make this year’s event a spectacular day out for all the family.
Whether it’s two wheels, four legs or perfect produce, the show promises something for everyone. General secretary Liz Redfern said one of the main highlights would be a display by the 3Sixty Bicycle Stunt Team.
“They will be doing three displays throughout the day and there is a chance for kids to have a go.
“Judging by the response on social media, this will go down very well,” she said.
Rob and Abi Atkinson will be bringing their Wilderness Outdoors yurt and offering activities such as archery.
Meanwhile, the competitive action starts early with the Northern Sheepdog Association sheep dog trial.
“This is the third year they have come and we are now established as a trial venue for the association – we are bang in the middle of their area,” said Ms Redfern.
“It’s a lovely venue because the trial field is on a slope so you can watch it. It works really well.”
The cattle section may be small, but it has created quite a buzz. The shorthorns are back again and there will also be classes for Highland cattle.
“We have quite a lot of entries in the Highlands, which is an attraction in itself,” added Ms Redfern.
Classes for Dales, Fell and Shetland ponies will be among the highlights of the equine section and the show will host the second round qualifer for the Veteran Horse Society horse of the year.
Sheep farmers will be doing battle for the Headlam Cup, presented to the best sheep on the field, which was last year won by Annie Stone’s Texel.
As well as celebrating baking excellence, in the produce tent there will be a special class: What a Disaster, for entries that did not turn out quite as anticipated.
The afternoon dog show is likely to prove popular as ever and, when all competition is over, singer Helen Bell will take to the stage from 4pm.
There are several events alongside the show. On Sunday, August 27, there will be the annual Bowes Tractor Run and a scarecrow trail will be unveiled from the bank holiday weekend.
Today (August 23), members of the Bowes Show committee will be at the weekly market in Barnard Castle raising funds and spreading the word.
