Agriculture show set to be a belter
ONE of the biggest and most popular agricultural shows in the area is taking place for the 53rd time this weekend.
The Blaston Show, which is held on the temporary Blaston Road showground located between the villages of Blaston and Slawston, is happening this Sunday.
The event, which is organised by the Blaston and District Agricultural Show Society, attracted more than 2,000 visitors in 2009 and last year's new management team, with the support of the section chairmen, has continued its efforts to make the show bigger and better.
The main ring will host numerous displays including tug-of-war, terrier racing, gymkhanas, driven ponies and show jumping while other attractions include children's fair rides, trade stands, rural crafts, licensed bar, food outlets, classic cars, classic and vintage tractors, a modern farming display, new cattle exhibit and shows for dogs, hounds, sheep and goats.
The society is particularly excited about the shopping area this year as it has signed more trade stands – 50 – than ever expected including a selection of local and national companies such as Joules Clothing, Picks Organic Farm, Quenby Hall Stilton, Diamond Mowers, The Olive Tree, Jamie Oliver Kitchenware and Hideout Leather.
The showground layout has been changed so that the shopping area is the first section visitors come to when they arrive at the show.
Oliver Lee, the show's honorary director, said: "Everything is now in place for what will be a great show. We are fully expecting a bumper turnout again, in terms of exhibitors and visitors.
"The new attractions put in place for this year have received a significant amount of interest with many cattle already booked-in to be displayed and we have received the highest number of quality trade-stand bookings for many years which will be located in a new and improved position.
"I would like to stress the importance of rural, local shows like Blaston. They not only provide a great day out for all the family but also help to promote the fantastic work that goes on in the countryside that produces our food and maintains the great British landscape."
Money raised at the show, which last year topped 650, will again be going towards good causes in the Harborough area, with this year's main recipient being the Leicestershire, Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance.
Mr Lee added: "We hope as many people as possible will be able to visit the show and offer their support to this worthy charity."
Admission costs 10 per car and its occupants or 5 to those on foot (under-12s free). Gates open at 8am with the main ring attractions starting at 12.30pm. More information is available at website www.blastonshow.co.uk.
* It has become a tradition for the organising committee to host a pre-show party on the Friday before the show.
Hosted in the main marquee on the showground, tomorrow night's june 25party comprises a sit-down meal of beef steak and a buffet salad bar followed by locally-sourced strawberries and cream. There will be a bar provided by Langton Brewery and Squeezbox will provide live entertainment.
Tickets cost 20 from show secretary Julie Parker on 07976 306802.
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Weather for Harborough
Friday 18 May 2012
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