The Royal Bath & West Show is set to feature a “wide range of livestock”, allowing visitors to learn about where their food comes from, organisers have said.
The event will take place at The Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, from Thursday, May 30 until Saturday June 1.
Shows and education coordinator, Lilanie Self, said: “At Lakeside Farm we will have all-day milk and cheese tasting, and an opportunity to meet friendly animals including Highland cows, Ryeland sheep, pigs and goats.”
As well as the more public-facing elements, there will also be top class competition, culminating in the supreme championships for pigs, sheep, beef and dairy cattle.
Organisers said the show will have entertainment for younger visitors, from tractors to play on, vintage machinery and stationary engines as well as a goodie bag.
There will be opportunities to learn about goats, attend a wool washing and felting workshop and a butchery demonstration.
There will also be a sheep dancing show and Great British dogs featuring rare breeds like the Clumber Spaniel, Gordon Setter and Irish Water Spaniel.
“We will have lots of farmers around to talk to, so you can ask any questions you like about farming, the countryside, the environment, and where food comes from,” Self said.
“There’s a nice quiet picnic area to escape the hustle and bustle of the show, and a petting farm with sheep, donkeys, alpacas, mini Shetlands, goats and lambs.
“Visitors can find out about careers in the agricultural sector, and support farm charities which focus on mental and physical wellbeing.
“The show brings together every element of farming and food, making it both fun and educational for young and old.”
Competition
Jim McMillan will be judging the interbreed cattle competition this year.
At his home near Bury St Edmunds, he keeps pedigree Simmentals and Charolais under the Brandane herd prefix.
Additionally, he works for W&M Mash at Brockhurst Limousins.
“I’ve always liked the Royal Bath and West – it’s a tremendous show. I used to show there myself when I was based at the Boddington Estate near Cheltenham,” he said.
“I’m mainly looking for the correct breed characteristics in the cattle.
“They need to have good locomotion and legs. The females should be feminine and not too big. There should be a bit of style in the head and ears: They should be saying ‘look at me!'”
