One of the biggest days in the Northumberland social calendar is set to return once again on Saturday May 27.
The Northumberland County Show attracts as many as 30,000 people to the showground at Bywell, near Stocksfield, and organisers and visitors alike will be hoping for another stunningly sunny day like last year's on the Bank Holiday of Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee. This year's theme is "The Future of Farming" and hosts a new Farm and Countryside activity area, while a game fair and military village also make debuts.
All of the usual County Show staples will take place on the day too, including the vintage tractor parade, the Grand Parade, and the crowning of the Champion of Champions, which last year went to Upperfrydd-Power, a Limousin cow. This year, the show champion will be selected from the best of each agricultural livestock competitions, plus rabbits, alpacas and heavy horses.
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Geoff Hubbuck, the longstanding sponsor of the competition, said: "It’s a fantastic sight to see so many superb line up of cattle, sheep, heavy horses and alpacas in one place. It is a spectacular celebration of what makes British agriculture great."
Last year, it was a Texel Ginner sheep which came a close second in the Champion of Champions, having won the overall best sheep award. And in 2023, the sheep section will be judged by an all female judging panel, with the aim of raising awareness of diversity and equality in farming.
Rachel Raine, chief steward, said: "It’s important to showcase the skills of all people involved in British farming and challenge stereotypes that persist in many of the public’s perception of rural life. We hope to inspire, educate and inform and provide aspirations for those who might never have considered an agricultural career before."
As well as the more traditional events at the Northumberland County Show, there are some left-field attractions to look out for too. Aldabra giant tortoises are making a return after a well-received debut in 2022, while Bike3Sixty stunt cyclists take to the main arena, and organisers promise a "hilarious" sheep show.
Arguably the biggest standout is Joseph's Amazing Racing Camels, which will be making an appearance in the George F White main arena. They have travelled with their owner, Joseph Fossett, all the way from Warwickshire and he hopes to keep the crowds entertained.
He said: "The camels love their racing outings and enjoy being the centre of attention. They are also film stars – having been in over twenty movies including Aladdin and Nativity – as well as TV programmes and have appeared at special events."
There's much more to see and do on the day too, with the Creative North Marquee a showcase for rural and local artisans, the Taste of the North Marquee where local food producers will set out their stalls, and a children's area which will have pony rides and bubble football to entertain the show's youngest attendants. Not only that, but there are bars, street food stalls, live music and fairground rides - with organisers aiming to make sure there's something for everyone.
Mark Scandle, chairman of the Northumberland County Show, said: "It is my second year as Chairman, and I’m delighted to welcome visitors back to the Northumberland County Show for what promises to be a wonderful day."
The Northumberland County Show takes place on Saturday May 27 and starts at 9am. Tickets start at £15 if you buy them in advance online.
For more information on the Northumberland County Show, visit the website.
What are you most excited about at this year's Northumberland County Show? Let us know!
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