Days to go until Staffordshire County Show
Final preparations are being made for next week's Staffordshire County Show, which is expected to attract thousands of people to enjoy the huge variety of entertainment.
The show, which has been going for 217 years, will take place during the half term holidays on Wednesday and Thursday next week.
Last year, 65,000 people turned out and even more are expected to visit this year.
The map for this year’s event at the Staffordshire County Showground on Weston Road was revealed recently, indicating just how big it will be and revealing where all the attractions can be found to make it easy for people to plan their visit in advance.
Show secretary Holly Hobson said there is so much for people to do and see and visitors often return for a second day to fit everything in.
“Show-goers have the chance to sample local produce and crafts, visit the antiques fair and attend a cookery theatre during the event, she said.
“Our main ring attractions are especially popular and include a grand parade of livestock and horses, the Mounted Games Association, the highly impressive Bolddog Lings Motorcycle Display Team and a parade of vintage machinery.
“Thursday’s entertainment will include a parade of the young farmer’s floats.
“One of this year’s big attractions in the Country Pursuits area will be the first appearance of some giant tortoises and we are looking forward to providing people with the rare opportunity to see these amazing creatures at such a size!”
Wednesday’s Main Ring events will include hounds and beagles, a vintage machinery parade and show jumping.
The programme of events in the Country Pursuits Arena includes falconry displays, a ferret roadshow, a sheep show and the Quack Pack Sheepdog and duck display as well as fly casting demonstrations and competitions for fishermen.
In the same area there will be horseshoeing and shoemaking competitions, fly-tying demonstrations and youngsters will love the donkey rides and the chance to get up close to various animals in animal experience enclosure.
She added: “Children can pet a range of cuddly creatures such as calves, sheep, guinea pigs and rabbits in the Animal Experience marquee. There is also the opportunity to see a range of reptiles and creepy crawlies.
“Woodfest in the showground’s own 15 acre wood always proves popular with visitors, with a chance to see how our woodland is managed and get expert tips on basket making and clog making. There is also the chance to see a logger and his team of horses in action.
“People can walk around the woodland trail and take advantage of the picnic area. The wooded area also plays host to the mud kitchen, where youngsters can take part in some messy play.
“Visitors will also be able to make their own willow wands and see spoon carving demonstrations.”
During the show, people can also try their hand or watch a whole range of activities thanks to South Staffordshire College, which is the show’s main sponsor for the sixth year.
Mrs Hobson said there has been a lot of interest in the map since it was revealed online: “Since the map was posted on our Facebook page we’ve had lots of people reacting to it and commenting to say they are coming, she said.
“We want people to be able to see just how much we have on offer for them to enjoy.
“By having the map beforehand, visitors can plan their day and decide what they want to head for first and where they are going to stop for refreshments.
“It’s also helpful to know where toilets, first aid and cash points can be found.”
Staffordshire County Show takes place on May 31 and June 1. Tickets are on sale at the showground office or the website.
For more information about the show visit the website www.staffscountyshowground.co.uk
