Cornwall's annual county agricultural show is the Royal Cornwall Show, starting each year from the first Thursday in June it runs for three event-packed days. Held in the Royal Cornwall Showground at Wadebridge, the show is brimful of activities and exhibits for everyone, whether you consider yourself a city dweller or a local.
Believe it or not, 2014 is the 220th year, and the Royal Show President will be HRH The Countess of Wessex. Her first event was hosting the traditional President's Day back in March.
What's happening at the Royal Cornwall Show
The Royal Cornwall Show offers an interesting glimpse into rural life in Cornwall. The livestock judging is a large part of the Royal Cornwall Show, with hundreds of classes of cattle, bulls, sheep and hens offering prestigious awards. There are dogs, goats, rabbits, birds (and bees!), large and small pets, and many strange-looking heritage breeds.
The Flower Tent is famous for its exhibits including gorgeous floral arrangements on specific themes. Exhibition stands, tractors and farm machinery, charities and businesses are all represented and plenty of business contracts are signed as well as the fun side to the event. For horse lovers, the show jumping always attracts a good crowd of spectators.
Cornish grown and locally produced food is a cornerstone of the show in the trade section and the famous catering tent run by the local Women's Institutes is not to be missed. I always head there and select a range of tasty rolls, savoury pastries, cakes and drinks then sit at a table and enjoy the selection for lunch. The cake stall quickly sells out of local favourites such as saffron buns, so get there early and take your pick of the mouthwatering goodies that are still warm from the farm kitchen Aga!
Arena entertainment at the Royal Cornwall Show
Each year the main arenas host some fantastic displays and 2014 is likely to be as exciting as ever. See the Bolddog Lings Freestyle Motocross Team display split second timing in their entertaining routine.
The RAF Falcons will parachute into the main arena, coloured smoke streaming from their heels, on each of the three days. This premier military parachute display team always gets a rousing welcome from the crowds.
Another sensational highlight is the Mounted Games when young riders on nippy ponies compete in a variety of obstacle and relay races. More horse power is on display with the Lizard Stallions Heavy Horses that compete in a tug-of-war against the Cornish Pirates Rugby Team.
The Parade of Hounds put on a great display harking back to the days of hunting while the Inter-Hunt Relay shows sporting competition at its finest.
Food and farming
Another corner I can recommend is the Food and Farming Pavilion. This area is dedicated to offering Cornwall's finest food and drink. You can meet the producers and put a human face to that tasty cheese or delicious artisan bread. There are lots of individual stands of new and established businesses from all over Cornwall.
The Forestry exhibit is more interesting than its sounds with a forestry barn built the traditional way from Cornish-sourced timber. See different types of woods and their uses, and learn what types of birds depend upon the woodland habitats to survive.
Stages sponsored by Kelly's of Bodmin and the Western Morning News have a mixed programme of entertainment with live music, song and dance displays. There's even a Steam Fair with five restored traction engines on display, including the one used in the making of the film The Iron Maiden.
Thousands of locals and visitors flock to the Royal Cornwall Show each year, and if you're one of them, we want to hear from you. Who would you recommend should visit the show, and what is your favourite part of the show? We look forward to reading your comments below.
Born in Cheshire, Gillian Birch moved to Cornwall at her earliest opportunity and never looked back. After 20 years, her ongoing discovery of popular attractions, quiet footpaths and local eateries has made her a fount of knowledge as she entertains readers with her informative articles on the hidden gems of Devon & Cornwall from a local point-of-view.
This reminds of the Great Yorkshire Show that I went to quite recently. Amazing day out and I enjoyed the local produce. This is an event not to be missed if you’re in the area, or thinking of travelling down for it.
If it’s anything like the Yorkshire Show, which I’m sure it will be, if not better. I would say the best part for me would be trying out the local foods, which are not very common where I live. It’s best to have food prepared by the locals, which uses fresh produce from the area. It’s a great day promoting the best of the West Country to tourists all over the world. Has anyone been to this show in the past, or something similar?