Perth Show has called on some heavyweight support to help entertain the crowds at this year’s two-day festival of farming and fun.
Organisers have secured qualifier classes for the Heavy Horse of the Year Show which will see cart-pulling, driven equine giants take to the main arena on Saturday, August 5.
This “guaranteed crowd pleaser” is expected to draw entries from throughout Great Britain with a fine show of magnificent animals including Clydesdales, Shires, Suffolk Punches, Belgian Draughts and Percherons.
“Perth is one of only five Scottish shows to feature qualifier classes for this year’s main event,” explained Perth Show secretary Jen Leslie. “To see these fabulous animals pulling carts and trotting round the arena on the reins is a truly memorable sight.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to be able to add this rare spectacle to Perth Show’s competition and entertainment offering. It’s a ‘do not miss’ feature for the thousands who attend at the South Inch.”
Also adding its weight to the main arena performances will be a Saturday afternoon football match with a difference.
Perth Show’s own Match of the Day will take place between two opposing teams of vintage tractors battling it out with a six-foot football.
Mearns Vintage Vehicle Club is in a league of its own when it comes to staging this popular agricultural showdown and Perth Show chairman Robert Gilchrist said they were delighted to have scored a winner by securing the hilarious spectacle.
“Choose your favourites and cheer them on,” he said. “It’s amazing to witness tractors charging around trying to control a massive football and get it past the opposition to score a goal – great fun, great skill and great entertainment and we’re thrilled to have the MVVC squad with us this year.”
Other entertainment to delight and enthral this year’s crowds on Friday and Saturday, August 4 and 5, includes the riotous heart-in-mouth Pony Club Games, the test of strength Tossing the Sheaf and Chucking the Bale, donkey agility classes, Show Dugs, show jumping, tug-o-war, kids races, the popular Perthshire On A Plate food festival, falconry and farrier displays, pipe band display and the show-stopping Grand Parade of Champions.
If the youngsters aren’t busy competing in the races, they have a wealth of children’s entertainment to keep them amused including making a smoothie by pedal power, bouncy castles, side shows, go-carts, milking a cow, Thera-ponies or hunting down some show critters in a kids- only Creature Hunt.
“We’ve always been proud of the fact that Perth Show has something for everyone,” said Jen.
“And this year we’ve pulled out all the stops to ensure some wonderful entertainment to supplement the outstanding show of prime livestock and equestrian skills.”
