Horse and carriage on field

Written by Beth Bright

Show stoppers

Summer means it’s showtime with a flurry of country and county shows where you can bring the family for a great day out and come and say hello to us on our John Bright stand. Here’s where we’ll be over August and September.

Cattistock Countryside Show, Sunday 4 August

“A proper celebration of Dorset” says the show. Set in stunning countryside near Maiden Newton, if you’ve never been to a country show before, start here. Be sure and watch the dog competitions – we’re sponsoring the Novelty Dog Show – and enjoy  traditional skills, handmade crafts and moreish cream teas as well as a variety of local food and drink. Don’t forget to stop by The Fantastic Pets’ Corner in aid of the Air Ambulance. There’s lots to do for all the family and it’s a really fun, interesting day out.

John Bright prize rosettes

Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show, Wednesday 14 August

We’re also here at one of the largest agricultural shows in the south, held on north Dorset’s Turnpike Ground. Famous for its Scarecrow Trail, discover horses, sheep, cattle, birds of prey, dogs and ducks as well as a wide range of agricultural, farming and rural activities and machinery, plus traditional ferret and terrier racing.

Handicrafts and homecrafts feature too, there’s also an education area and plenty of food and drink in the Food Hall with local wines, pies and cheeses. Not to be missed.

Scarecrow in padlocks

Melplash Show, Thursday 22 August

Set between bustiling Bridport and beautiful West Bay, farming and agriculture is at the heart of this show. Seek out the Discover Farming marquee, countryside arena, food hall full of local producers and cookery theatre. Grab a ringside seat for the spectacular Squibb Freestyle Motorcross stunt show, check out the sheep show – dancing sheep included – and the range of rural crafts from beekeeping to hedgelaying and thatching. Enjoy the vintage tractor display and all the livestock and animals. There’s something for everyone here including a fun fair and we’ve been very fortunate to win the best stand in the past. Please stop by and say hello (there will be cake).

Beth holding cup next to JB photo

Dorset County Show, Weekend, 7 & 8 September

With 1200 sheep, 300 cattle and almost 750 horses, this is showtime on a big scale. Last year 55,000 visitors came to this wonderful weekend. You can even camp in the showground. Celebrating all things countryside, there’s a grand parade of livestock, heavy horses, goats and pigs, sheep and rabbits. Watch the show jumping or get your heart racing with The Adrenaline Tour. There are homecraft, horticulture and floral pavilions as well as a Dorset artisan craft marquee. You won’t go hungry with the range of farm produce and food halls and kids just love the funfair.

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Look forward to seeing you in the south west this summer!