Alfred Tennyson might have mused that spring was the season for romance, but in Dorset, hearts are set aflutter with a different kind of love – a passion for the countryside. The Gillingham and Shaftesbury Spring Countryside Show is ready to spring into action as the first rural spectacle of the season. Family fun is firmly at the heart of the exciting new-look show, the first under new organiser Cat Harris. It takes place on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st April at Turnpike Showground, in Motcombe, SP7 9PL
What’s more, children under sixteen can enjoy the festivities for free, with early bird family tickets currently available for just £12 per adult, rising to £17 on the day.
What not to miss
Get set for a whirlwind of laughter as the UK’s only Arena Comedy Car Act and Slapstick Stunt Show takes centre stage. It’s going to be a riot of fun with the madcap stunt clowns’ capers and water cannon antics – just don’t end up in the splash zone!
And pigs can’t fly – but do they race? Joseph’s Amazing Racing Pigs are about to show you. Witness five rare breeds leap and snort their way through an entertaining obstacle course.
The Lamb National is hot on the trotters of the pig race, with nimble Herwick sheep from the Lake District’s slopes navigating an obstacle challenge. Root for your favourite woolly competitor and see who will out-leap the flock.
On the Sunday you can see The Dog & Duck show – with skilled sheepdogs herding not just sheep but also ducks, geese and chickens! There will be free tractor and trailer rides, horticultural showcases, the finest Dorset culinary delights, and live music to ring in the spring.
scarecrow. Let your imagination run wild – there’s no theme and you can make use of any materials.
Cat Harris says: ‘Who doesn’t love a scarecrow (apart from the birds!)? We’re hoping to have a spectacular line up so visitors can enjoy a Scarecrow Stroll or take the free tractor ride and see all the entries. Entry to the competition is free, and the only rule is that the scarecrow must be a group effort. We hope groups of all ages and sizes will take part – from families to schools, youth clubs to care homes.’
It’s not just a celebration of spring but a community gathering that champions the joyous spirit of rural life.
To take advantage of early bird pricing visit the tickets page here
Register your scarecrow group here or email compete@gillinghamandshaftesburyshow.co.uk for more information.
springcountrysideshow.co.uk
