Experience the best in agriculture, food & drink, and family entertainment that the county has to offer at Devon’s biggest and best day out

Every event likes to bill itself as having something for everyone, but few have quite such genuine appeal across the board as Devon’s most anticipated and celebrated event, the Devon County Show. Returning to Westpoint Arena, Exeter on 19th – 21st May, the Devon County Show caters for the whole family whether you’re interested in food, farming or just fancy having a lot of fun with the family!

As the South West’s first major agricultural event of the year, the 121st Show offers a rural extravaganza which promises to exceed expectation by once again being bigger and better than ever before. Interested in seeing the biggest and best bulls in the county, watching expert sheep shearers remove a fleece in less than a minute and getting close to South American alpacas? Or want to perfect your floral art, discover how to furnish your home with locally-made products and learn how to knit a jumper? There’s something for everyone.

Animal magic
Cows, sheep, pigs, goats and other livestock are always at the heart of the show, and will be on display in their thousands, culminating in the very best taking part in the grand parade on Friday and Saturday. Don’t forget the horses either as this year the show hosts top equestrian competitions with classes for light and heavy horses, private driving, heavy horse turnouts, harness and grooming, as well as show-jumping.

Domestic animals will also be out in full force over the weekend. The pedigree dog show takes place on all three days showing off the finest four-legged companions and there are also competitions for pigeons, poultry, rabbits and guinea pigs!

Food & drink
Food lovers need to make sure they pop along to the show’s renowned Food and Drink Pavilion to experience the vast array of top-notch food and drink suppliers in the South West. The pavilion is a great place to pick up helpful hints, tips and recipes at the cookery demonstrations, discover new ingredients and delights for taking home, and to test all of the tasty snacks and samples as you work your way round.

Stacks of entertainment
This year there are two thrilling attractions taking the top billing in the Mole Valley Farmers Main Arena; The Bolddog Lings Motocross Stunt Team and the Shetland Pony Grand National. Sebastian Garner, a racehorse expert, who now oversees the Shetland Grand National, explains that the young jockeys, aged 9-14 years old, could be taking their first steps towards a career in jump racing. “Thoroughbreds are a lot easier to ride than Shetlands. You think they are small, cute and cuddly but they have a mind of their own and are very strong,” explained Sebastian. “The ponies go surprisingly fast and the louder the audience cheers, the faster they go!”

“Step aboard one of the pods of our new Devon County Eye for an aerial view of the showground and beyond,” suggested Ollie, adding: “The view from the Ferris wheel will be a great way to choose what to do next and you may even be able to work out where you live on the skyline!”

Titan the Robot will be back again amusing crowds in the avenues on Friday and Saturday, and North Devon farmer David Kennard, who starred in Channel Five’s ‘Mist-Sheepdog Tales’, will be entertaining visitors with his ‘Farmyard Tales’. Don’t miss Meirion Owen either, who will be demonstrating the art of duck herding in the Phil Greed Arena with his famous sheep dogs.

Child’s play
There’s plenty to see and do for the little ones too at this year’s show. There will be activities aimed specifically for youngsters and families including a children’s farm supported by Farm Wise Devon, the ‘Wheelie Wild’ family trail and candle rolling in the bees and honey feature.

Show Secretary Ollie Allen finished: “From early in the morning to late at night the showground is packed with all sorts of action. We’re all proud to be part of Devon and the show celebrates the very many unique qualities which make this county such an incredible place to live and work.”

For a full programme of events and exhibitors and to buy your tickets, visit the website at www.devoncountyshow.co.uk

We’re giving you the chance to win one of five pairs of tickets to a day of your choice at this year’s Devon County Show. To be in with a chance of winning, fill in your details on our competition page:
www.one-mag.co.uk/DCS2016