2025 charities announced

After a hugely successful show in 2024, Blaston Show’s organising committee was able to make charitable donations of £16,000 to various causes, and hopes are high that a similar amount can be raised this year.

Topping the Show’s 2025 charities is Cure Parkinson’s. The Cure Parkinson’s Trust was first set up in 2005, with the Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Rutland Committee created in 2012. Since launching it has raised over half a million pounds. Meriel Buxton from the charity said: “We are so grateful for the opportunity being given to us. Our aim is to run fun events to support Cure Parkinson’s and Blaston looks a real winner on both fronts. We are looking forward to it.”

Find out more here: https://cureparkinsons.org.uk

The Mount Group Riding for the Disabled (RDA) is also set to benefit from funds raised at this year’s show. Formed in 1986 by parents to provide the opportunity for riding to the pupils from Mount Special Needs School in Melton Mowbray, they started with 12 volunteers and six borrowed ponies, with the children riding once a week. Roll forward to 2025 and the charity hosts fifty riders each week from schools and day centres in Melton Mowbray, Oakham and the surrounding areas, helped by over forty volunteers

The Group relies totally on donations. It costs about £22,000 a year to run, which mainly goes towards the hiring of horses and ponies, and specialist tack and equipment. Diana Poyser explains: “The benefits of riding are endless such as helping to develop balance, coordination and core stability. It promotes physical and mental wellbeing, improved self esteem and a sense of achievement. But most of all it brings huge enjoyment to both the participants and the team.”

Find out more here: https://mountgrouprda.org.uk

The third featured charity for 2025 is The Next Chapter Horse Sanctuary. This newly formed charity is based in South Leicestershire and a number of organisations, such as the police and RSPCA, go to The Next Chapter for advice about care for abandoned and often sick horses of all ages. The Charity needs to raise money, both to cover the cost of feed and buildings, but also vet bills.

Janette Stocks, Show Secretary for the Blaston & District Agricultural Society, said: “These are all very worthy causes and the entire committee is thrilled to welcome them to Blaston Show. Raising funds for local charities is one of Blaston Show’s key objectives and we have given away tens of thousands of pounds over the years, as well as raising awareness for our chosen charities. I look forward to welcoming representatives of each of the charities to this year’s event.”

“I am sure not everyone is aware that the Show is run by dedicated volunteers, many of whom are local farmers, with the aim of providing a local agricultural show for the community and to raise money for local charities – something they did very well last year. I look forward to the 66th running of Blaston Show,” added Janet Meek OBE, Blaston Society President.

This year’s show date is Sunday 29th June – bookmark this on your calendars!