Countdown to New Forest showtime (From Bournemouth Echo)

Countdown to New Forest showtime

8:00am Saturday 18th July 2009 in Search By Julian Robinson

DAZZLING displays, sumptuous food and the buzz of excitement from 100,000 happy visitors – it must be time for the New Forest and Hampshire County Show.

Visitors to the show site at New Park, Brockenhurst, later this month will be greeted by the sights and sounds of the countryside, pens packed with prize-winning livestock and the finest produce the county has to offer.

For three days from July 28 to 30 the showground will play host to a continuous stream of events ranging from cooking displays to vintage tractor rallies.

A giant crop sprayer, motorbike stunt show and some fast and furious pig racing will all feature during the annual extravaganza.

This year Shire horses, Iberian ponies and the Cleveland Bay horse, rated “critical” on the rare breeds list, will all trot in to the main arena.

The bravest show-goers are even being promised views of the Isle of Wight – those daring enough can pay to be winched to the top of a 70ft wooden pole.

Meanwhile, the contribution made by Land Girls during the Second World War will be honoured with an area dedicated to the role they played.

Show chairman Geoff Morgan said: “I think there is going to be something for everyone at this year’s show. We have a very busy programme as usual.

“We have already sold an enormous number of tickets, but we are hoping desperately for young people to come along. There is so much for them to learn here.”

More than 70 judges will scrutinise everything from one-tonne bulls to hand-knitted jerseys.

Up to 368 pieces of art and sculpture – including a giant bronze owl – will be on display in the Art Pavilion.

More than 300 stewards will be patrolling the show, which was part organised by 100 independent companies.

Caterers will dish out more than 2,000 lunches while dozens of producers will be offering tasty samples.

Ten charities expect to benefit from the show this year including the Army Benevolent Fund, Naomi House children’s hospice and Hampshire Young Farmers.

Last year’s show made a profit of £70,000 compared with a record £200,000 loss suffered the previous year, when torrential rain turned the arena into a mudbath.

• Tickets can be booked by ringing 01590 622400 or order them online by clicking on the link at the bottom of this story.

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