For the first time, Moreton Show will offer free interactive workshops in circus skills, performing arts and dance offering children and young adults the chance to try something a little different
This year will see Moreton Show taking place for the 62nd time, making it the longest running, traditional agricultural Show in the Cotswolds.
The Show, which has become a favourite day out for farmers and families, is a day to look forward to in the local and national calendar, with visitors travelling from far and wide to attend. Each year, the Society strives to build on the success of the previous show, this year being no exception with 2013 being another hard act to follow.
In the winter months, the Show won a Bronze Award in the hotly contested Best Event category in the Cotswold Tourism Awards. This award is a credit to everyone who is involved in the show, especially the army of volunteers, without whom the
Show would not happen.
With this year being the centenary of the outbreak of World War One, it is a time to reflect on how far British agriculture has progressed from the Women’s Land Army and dark days of rationing. The developments within the industry, particularly in technology will be visible on Show day as the Showground is to host an impressive number of agricultural machinery stands. Despite these developments, the same ethos remains, with the farming community pulling together in order to provide food to feed our nation.
With plans for the 2014 Show now steaming ahead, one of this year’s key focuses is the next generation. It promises to be an extravaganza for young people of all ages and backgrounds with the re-generation of the Family Fun Area. For the first time, this area will offer free interactive workshops in circus skills, performing arts and dance offering children and young adults an opportunity to try something a little different. Another highlight of this new area is The World’s Tallest Bubbleologist which is sure to entertain both children and adults alike.
In addition to the already extremely well supported young handlers classes in the Livestock Section, for the first time this year, the Show is linking with Young Farmers to host a stock judging competition in both the Horse and Livestock sections. It is hoped these will engage and encourage the next generation of showmen and women.
The Livestock section has progressed in leaps and bounds over the years and with the exciting addition of pigs to the schedule of events for the first time this year, 2014 is no exception. It is hoped that the pig classes will add a new dimension to the Livestock section and will give visitors an interesting insight into the world of pig breeding and showing. The re-design of the showground sees the move of Poultry to the Livestock Area, creating a hub of animal activity. This area will provide a unique opportunity for the public to see both commercial and traditional breeds of all animals in one place. The Society is proud, once again, to be holding the National Show of Poll Hereford Cattle and Cotswold Sheep.
Native British Breeds are to be celebrated this year with The Rare Breeds Survival Trust featuring in the Countryside and Heritage Area. There will be a Stamp Scavenger Hunt across the Showground to find a collection of stamps produced by the Isle of Man Post office featuring British Native Breeds that has been produced in conjunction with the Rare Breeds Survival Trust. Of course, Native Breeds also feature heavily in the Livestock and Horse sections in a number of classes specifically targeted at our great and versatile native breeds.
Thrilling entertainment will be available throughout the day with the Bolddog Lings returning after their appearance on ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent with a new show to wow the Grand Arena crowd. The Attractions Ring will host Katy Cropper and her Shepherd Display featuring ducks and a fell pony amongst other quirky acts and will finish, as tradition dictates, with the finals of the Terrier Racing.
As always, dogs are welcome at the Show. This year, the Dog Show is to include a fun scurry for the public to enter in addition to the traditional classes. There will also be a new Working Dog area.
The ever popular Home and Garden Marquee will be brimming with home produce, floral displays and craft work for visitors to view after judging has taken place.
Due to its increasing popularity, the Horse section has grown with more prestigious Horse of the Year Show Qualifying classes on offer for those chasing the last chance to qualify for the finals in October. The thrilling Six-Bar Show Jumping competition will be making a return to the Grand Arena attracting top names from all over the country.
Many of our regular traders will be returning and we will be welcoming a host of new and exciting trade stands. The Food Halls and Craft Marquee have increased in size and this year there will be specialised stands in Livestock and Horse areas making a total number of 350 trade stands, the biggest in the show’s history making it the ideal place for some early Christmas shopping.
We are promoting the link from field to fork and we will have a host of delicious local produce in the Food Halls for you to try and buy in addition to the popular local food demonstration and catering area.
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Please visit the website at www.moretonshow.co.uk, follow us on Twitter @MoretonShow and Facebook or call the Show Office on 01608 651908 for more details.
It’s an ideal day out for the whole family with 2013 advanced ticket prices held for this year. Advance tickets are available on-line or from local outlets in Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, Warwickshire and Oxfordshire. Added benefits are available if you become a member or sponsor - please see our website for details. A warm welcome awaits you on September 6 and we look forward to seeing you!
