ORGANISERS of Eggleston Show say they are looking forward to this year’s event, which will see them settle into their new venue on the outskirts of Mickleton.
Entries for the show, now in its 143rd year, have been flooding in. The show has been sited at a number of locations over the years, most recently at West Barnley Farm, Eggleston. But this year’s event, which will take place on Saturday, September 15, will be held at Hayberries Farm, by kind permission of the Addison family, who have long supported the event.
Show secretary Alan Gent, who has taken over the role from Roy Oxby, said committee members are excited about the new venue.
Mr Gent said: “It’s the fifth move I can recall. Everyone on the committee and beyond has really pulled together. We want to make this the best show anyone can remember.
“Word has got out about our show’s reputation for a good family day out as we’ve been inundated with requests for trade stands.
“In fact we’ve had to turn some away as we simply don’t have the space.”
Judging begins at 10am and with more than 400 classes across the schedule it is bound to be a busy day for officials, who will be travelling from as far afield at Cornwall to officiate.
There are more 100 trophies up for grabs across the classes and as always livestock is at the forefront of the show, especially those for cattle. There are classes for beef and highland cattle as well as young handler’s classes.
The sheep rings are bound to be busy with are classes
for Bluefaced Leicester, Swaledale, Suffolk, Zwartbles and Texels as well as small breeders and cross-bred sheep.
There are three classes for vintage tractors and several for hay and field produce. As usual visitors are encouraged to bring along their dogs, which can be entered on the morning of the show to the canine classes.
Seven horse rings will be busy throughout the day with more than 70 classes being contested from 10am. Mr Gent said there would be no dry-stone walling contest this year as interest has waned over the past few years.
Eggleston Show also has a good selection of classes in the poultry section.
And competition is bound to be fierce within the produce, flower and industrial classes, which are always well supported.
Walworth Castle Birds of Prey will be staging a display, one of the many around the show field and Reeth brass band will, once again be serenading visitors throughout the day with their repertoire.
The show will take place at Hayberries Farm outside Mickleton on the B6277 road. Admission is £8 for adults and £2 for children (under 15) with under fives free. The public car park is free.
