There is just a week to go until the 2019 Royal Isle of Wight County Show – but with 35 acres of activities to choose from, where do you start?
Show Chairman, Graham Biss, has put together a ‘Top 10’ to get you started.
The Royal isle of Wight County Show takes place at the County Showground in Northwood on Sunday 30th June from 09:00.
Graham says:
“Let us entertain you! All we ask is that you get here early, when the gates open at 9am, so you can pack everything in!”
Top 10 things to do:
1 – You might have seen them on the telly, but don’t miss the chance to see the Household Cavalry on the Island! They’re performing their famous Musical Ride, so wave a Union Jack and marvel at their skill and showmanship. Time: 11:00 and 14:00 in the Main Ring, sponsored by WightFibre
2 – Mooove over to the Village Green and meet three pedigree Guernsey cows from the Briddlesford Lodge Herd. Milking demonstrations: 11:30, 13:30 and 15:30, on the Briddlesford Lodge stand
3 – Watch in hay-mazement as teams push giant hay bales over an obstacle course, while they’re squirted by waterpistols! The Big Bale Corporate Challenge is sponsored by Moore Stephens – and all proceeds from the event (and indeed, the entire Show) will go to the Rural Careers Fund, which supports young Islanders who want to learn agricultural skills. Time: 11:30 in the Main Ring
4 – Head for the Village Green for traditional – and not so traditional – entertainments. You can see extreme circus performers, listen to a brass band, jig along with the Morris dancers, and relax outside the Village Pub. Time: 09:00-17:00
5 – Tour the Showground with a free tractor and trailer ride. Then head for the Southern Co-op’s Food Pavilion for a spot of lunch, rounded off by cake in the WI Tent. Time: 10:00-17:00
6 – Try clay pigeon shooting – the cost is included in your ticket, so you can fire away for free! No pigeons are harmed, just discs of clay. Time: 10:00-16:00, in the Country Pursuits area
7 – Children can play at being a farmer and lead a calf – but can you get the calf to follow your lead? Time: 13:15-13:35, Livestock Demo Area Or have you ever tried herding a pig? There’s a technique to it… but will you bring home the bacon? Time: 14:00-14:30, The Pig Ring
8 – Trot along to the Equine Area, where children can have a ride on one of Island Riding Centre’s ponies, in return for a small donation. These ponies are so friendly and happy that apparently one of them even smiles! Time: 10:00-16:00, the Equine Rings
9 – Step back in time and visit the Woodland Area where you can watch craftsmen displaying traditional skills. Ask nicely and they might let you have a go. Time: 10:00-17:00 Woodland Area
10 – Don’t miss the live auction of lambs and pigs, with quickfire patter from auctioneer Charlie Coleman. It’s fascinating to watch – just don’t move a muscle unless you want to take 10 pigs home with you! Time: 15:00 (sheep area) and 15:20 (pigs area),
To plan your day and for tickets, go to www.iwcountyshow.co.uk.
