This July 24th sees the return of our countryside show. Set in the picturesque upper reaches of the Frome Valley it’s a show revered for its resilience. This year celebrating its 60th consecutive show running – having managed to keep punters safely entertained throughout the entire pandemic.
Stringing its first bunting and erecting its first tent back in 1962 by a group of West Dorset farmers and community activists it was set up to pay homage to the weird and often backward pleasures of country life.
The show today still holds this credence close to its heart hosting a smorgasbord of rural activities ranging from the kitsch to the outright ridiculous. Staples like: Punch and Judy, a traditional West Country skittle alley, tractor rally’s, fire breathing circus performers and sheep shearing races to displays of dancing children in fancy dress on horseback.
Each year the show hosts its own pony show, dog show and flower and produce show. With classes for the more serious attendees as well as the more well humoured – ‘dog most like its owner’ and ‘spud most like its grower’ spring to mind.
In the past delicious local donations have been made by local producers – organic teas, milkshakes and cakes from Hollis Mead and a local vodka raffle from Black Cow. While every year international retailer Boden clothing sponsor a mad cap assault course with must-win prizes.
Despite illustrious contacts we at the show see it as vital we true to our roots of a non-commercial, family fun day out. We therefore are thrilled to announce this year that children under 12 will go free! On top of that, as ever we will once again be making our yearly contributions to the Dorset Air Ambulance in thanks for all that they do for our community. At 60 this Dorset treasure promises to be more charming and more bonkers than ever before.