All roads lead west on the 9th and 10th August when this year’s Royal Manx Agricultural Show opens the gates for yet another fantastic day out for all the family – whatever the weather.
Firmly established as one of the highlights on the rural calendar, the Royal Manx Agricultural Show, now held at Knockaloe Farm just outside Peel, is the culmination of months of hard work from both show participants and committee members, led by Secretary Carol Kennaugh.
And this year Mrs Fiona Moore has been nominated as the first woman President.
There’ll be an extensive range of craft and trade exhibitors, along with a wide selection of food and drink vendors, including the agricultural show’s own Country Kitchen and Burger Queen catering outlets. There’s been a high demand from trade exhibitors for sites at this year’s show, which will include a cross-section of agricultural merchants, car dealers, charities, conservatories, local banks, as well as health and beauty suppliers, amongst others.
Back by popular demand, is the Ridgeside Falconry Show, with birds of prey featuring in dramatic flying displays and close handling, and lurcher racing – a fun demonstration of speed and agility for dogs. Other entertainment includes sheep shearing, Spike Milton’s Timbersports Lumberjack Show, sheep dog trial demonstrations, dressage to music, classic car and vintage tractor parades and a full musical programme on the bandstand. But this year’s line-up also includes something new in the arena with the world famous Vander Space Wheel of Death, providing the best aerial stunt act in Europe and guaranteed to keep spectators mesmerised.
The event is, of course, at heart an agricultural show, with animal judging and the popular arts and crafts forming the backbone of the event, with the local farming community competing for the ‘best in show’ awards.
It’s also a celebration of Manx life, highlighting such as traditional arts and crafts, the Manx Beekeepers’ Association and the Manx Craft Guild. Additionally, the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture will be showcasing Manx produce and tempting visitors to buy an extensive range of local food.
Carol Kennaugh, Secretary of the Royal Manx Agricultural Show, said “There really is something for everyone at this year’s show – it’s very much a family day out and we try to appeal to everyone from all walks of life. While we will always remain an agricultural show, dedicated to maintaining traditions that have been upheld for years, it’s important that we move with the times. We’ve had great demand from exhibitors and are delighted to see so much interest from the community in what is one of the Island’s longest running events. We are extremely grateful to each and every one of our sponsors, particularly Manx Telecom, Conister Bank and Pokerstars, for all their support.”
The ultimate prize for exhibitors will be the Deemster Johnson’s Supreme Award, presented for the best animal in show by His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor Sir Richard Gozney and sponsored by Conister Bank.
Gates open 9.00am – 5.00pm on both days with tickets priced at £7 (Friday) and £9 (Saturday), children £1 on either day with those under the age of four allowed in free. Dogs permitted on short leads only. Pre-show tickets available from outlets across the Island, or from the show’s website.
Further information available from www.royalmanx.com, or by telephoning 801850.
Valerie Caine
© August 2019
(Courtesy of Manx Life)
(Since publication of this article first day of the event cancelled due to atrocious weather conditions)
