Experience a great traditional family day out this Spring at Nottinghamshire County Show.  New for this year are three HOYS Qualifiers, including British Ridden Heavy Horse of the Year and, following on from the success of the dedicated ‘Heavies Ring’ in 2018, our Heavy Horse ‘Village’ will have even more to entertain, including ‘working horse’ demonstrations on both days. These working horses will also be taking part in the Heritage Harvesting parade in the Main Ring. This first show of the season showcases the best cattle, sheep, goats and pigs alongside superb equine events, including majestic ‘heavies’ and first-class showjumping.
Classes and competitions run all day both days. In addition to the usual farmyard favourites, will be gun dogs, hunting hounds, giant tortoises, and birds of prey.  Children will particularly enjoy the antics of the animals in the Countryside Area and alongside old favourites like the Sheep Show will be fascinating demonstrations of heritage crafts such as coracle making and fashioning traditional hats from straw.

A welcome sight will be the return of last year’s very popular 8ft stilted animatronic character, Froojamaflip, and his hilarious sidekick, Fred the Gardener. New for this year is a ‘Magic Wand Making Workshop’ run by Amerton Arts and suitable for children from around 4 years old.
The courses run all day and are a drop-in format with around 20 places for each course. Featuring as the Main Ring attraction is Dzhigitovka, an exciting Cossack trick-riding spectacular, straight from Russia, with fabulously costumed riders and dare-devil horses, performing to crowd-pleasing music and bringing a flavour of the legendary warriors on horseback, masters of sword, archery and outstanding gymnastic skills. Visitors can look forward to visiting the Farriery Competition marquee where they can watch experienced and apprentice-level farriers getting very hot under the collar as they demonstrate their horseshoe making skills to compete for prizes.

The marquee will be located near the Heavy Horse Village.
Visit the recently rejuvenated Food Experience area to sample and buy tasty locally-made produce and where youngsters are encouraged to check out the NFU Discovery Barn. Then step next door to admire the gorgeous floral art displays in the Lady Eastwood Centre and those with small children in tow may want to let them try their hand at floral crafts in the ‘Have A Go’ children’s corner. With ample opportunity to shop for crafts, gifts and clothing, many items on sale will not be available in the high street stores.
The Show benefits from plenty of food outlets, with inside or outdoor seating, where tasty snacks, two-courses lunches, hot and cold drinks, including beers and wine, can be bought and enjoyed. Offering a fun-packed weekend of family entertainment, the Show successfully combines tradition with modern-day life – from discovery and adventure to hands-on experiences and learning while you watch – there really is something for everyone.

See www.nottingamshirecountyshow.com for further details and Membership information.