A bumper season of agricultural shows gets under way this month – highlighting the best of East Anglia’s food and farming industries to an eager public.
In the south of the region, the South Suffolk Show takes place on Sunday, 12 May, at Ampton point-to-point racecourse, just off the A134 near Ingham, Bury St. Edmunds. Weather permitting, it will include a Battle of Britain Memorial Flypast at 1:30pm, as well as the Royal Air Force Falcons Parachute Display Team.
The following week sees the Hadleigh Show on Saturday, 18 May. Held in the parkland setting of Holbecks Park, on the edge of Hadleigh, it will include a new Food in the Field eating area, music and family friendly ring layout.
Show secretary Tory Lugsden says: “We have so much going on with the brilliant Stannage Stunt Display Team on hand to wow us, our brilliant machinery display, gun dogs, terriers, the Sheep Show and much more to entertain you.
“Around the showground we have Stocks Fair back with us again, open on the Friday evening and Sunday of the show weekend, rural crafts, floral marquee, horticulture tent, education tent, art show and shopping and eating.”
Elsewhere, events include the Essex Young Farmers County Show on Sunday, 19 May, near Chelmsford (see panel). It will be followed by the Suffolk Show on 29-30 May at Trinity Park, Ipswich.
Suffolk sugar
This year’s Suffolk Show promises to be the county’s largest two-day visitor experience – highlighting the importance of food and farming to the regional economy, coupled with being a great day out for families.
The show will include a special focus on sugar beet, with British Sugar showcasing the story of the crop with a mobile kitchen to recreate the journey from factory to supermarket shelf – and then to kitchen.
In a display aimed at farmers and non-farmers alike, visitors will be able to see sugar beet machinery in action with informative demonstrations – and discover the techniques that drive agriculture forward in the county.
Norfolk voices
In the north of the region, the Royal Norfolk Show takes place on 26-27 June. This year’s two-day event includes a special debate – Norfolk Voices for Norfolk Futures – looking at the future for farming in the county.
Later this season sees the return of two popular one-day shows. The Wayland Show takes place at Watton on Sunday, 4 August. The Aylsham Show takes place on its traditional August Bank Holiday date (26 August).
Essex Young Farmers show ‘better than ever’
Essex Young Farmers are pulling out all the stops for their annual country show this month – and hope to surpass last year’s event which saw thousands of visitors flock to at Boyton Hall, Roxwell, near Chelmsford.
This year’s show on Sunday, 19 May– the most important event in the young farmers’ calendar – is shaping up to be better than ever, says the Essex Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs.
The show brings together young farmer volunteers from across Essex ranging in age from 16-26 during the week prior to the show to set up the many attractions on offer. Gates will open to the public at 9:30am, beginning a day of entertainment for all ages.
The livestock area will be filled with a variety of animals including rare breeds, cattle, sheep and pigs. Attractions include tractors and steam engines – and the annual Essex Young Farmer’s Tug of War final.
Aimed at all ages, entry to the show is free for those under 15. Children have the opportunity to get up close to livestock. For slightly older kids, there are also fair ground rides and shops including a number of fashionable country clothing outlets.
Run by Essex Young Farmer members, the bar will be open throughout the day. Food stands will offer fare for every palette – ranging from hog roasts to sweet treats including ice cream, strawberries and doughnuts.
For tickets to the show, please call 01245 360442 or visit www.essexyoungfarmers.com
