Get yourself through the post-Christmas blues with something to look forward to. How about a visit to Dorset’s first country show of the 2023 rural calendar?
The Spring Countryside Show is back for the second year and will take place on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 April 2023 at the Turnpike Showground in Motcombe. Tickets for this fabulous two-day event are on sale now with early bird prices of £10 a ticket for adults and children go free. A perfect gift for a loved one or why not treat yourself and get something in your 2023 diary now to look forward to.
The first show this year was a huge success with over 10,000 visitors throughout the weekend. The 2023 show, organised by the Gillingham and Shaftesbury Agricultural Society, promises even more rural activities and events.
Giles Simpson, Show Chairman said: “The Spring Countryside Show is all about bringing spring in the countryside to life. The focus it on it being family-friendly with a chance to get close-up with a whole host of animals and learn more about rural ways of life.
Being the earliest countryside show in Dorset, it’s also a great way of celebrating the arrival of spring, which we all look forward to after a long, drab winter.”
The theme of this show is ‘Bring Spring to Life’ with an amazing showcase of rural crafts including wood carving, farrier, heavy-horse logging, gun dog displays and terrier racing plus a dedicated Farm Yard Area, full of animals to meet.
There promises to be ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ style sheep at The Sheep Show – would you give them a 10? In the Rural Ring, be prepared to be stunned by the star attraction – the famous Lloyds Bank black horse, Amadeus, in a breath-taking horseback falconry display.
Green-fingered fans will love the innovative show gardens, full of blooming good ideas you can try in your own green space. From the garden to the kitchen, if you’re a keen cook, you won’t want to miss the Cookery Theatre with delicious demonstrations by local leading chefs.
And it wouldn’t be spring without a bit of retail therapy – a shopping village with gifts, clothing, homeware and local produce awaits.
If that’s not enough to ‘bring on the spring’, there’s a fun fair with bouncy castles, working steam engines and the classic cars. And if you’ve still got energy left, a funky festival area with live music, food and a bar featuring local ales, gin and cider will be open until 10pm on the Saturday evening.
The organisers are always on the lookout for more exhibitors so if you have a country craft or tradition you can demonstrate or want to try your luck at a Show Garden or floral display – there’s still plenty of time to get involved.
www.springcountrysideshow.co.uk