The best EVER Blaston Show

For yet another year running Blaston Show broke all records for attendance… the large car park was bursting at the seams by midday. There was also a record number of both trade stands and exhibitors, and dogs galore – many of whom took part in the dog show.

Feedback from visitors was glowing. Facebook comments include: “We can’t wait to be part of this again next year! Phenomenal show; so well organised from the moment you arrive. Something for everyone. Super dog friendly also!”, “Absolutely fantastic show! Our first time and what a wonderful show it was”, “We had a great day – a really lovely, proper, country show. Well done to all the organisers and volunteers. See you next year!”

Entries for the equestrian and livestock classes were strong. Amelia Williams had a good day, winning the £50 cash prize for the Chase Me Charlie [where riders jump a single show jump and if clear, the height is raised until there is only one rider left]. She and Nula jumped an impressive 1m20 to take the prize.

Other equestrian winners included Lily Wootton and Chester in the In Hand Veteran class, Marika Hutton and Sturmwind in the Retrained Racehorse class and Erin Few-Mickley who took the Young Handler prize with Joey.

Will Ludgate and Thor came out on top in the Cattle Show, named The Supreme Champion. Will, from Leighton Buzzard, said of the 14-month-old Thor: “She’s had a fair bit of success already, winning the Championship at Hertforshire County Show. She’s a great animal.” The Sheep & Lamb Show overall championship went to a pen of fat lambs presented by Charlotte Georgie Davis from Queniborough.

Staying on four legs, the hound classes in the Blaston Hound Show were well subscribed. Started in 2002, the Hound Show is a nationally recognised show with hounds coming from far and wide. Amongst the many winners were the Belvoir Hunt’s Truffle and Plenty who took the Best Couple of Bitch Hounds prize, and the Flint and Denbeigh’s Single Unentered Bitch Hound winner, Partridge.

The hounds proceeded to provide great entertainment in the main arena when, for the first time, six different packs ranging in size from Bloodhounds to Beagles, were showing their differences, and – not altogether surprisingly – contained mayhem ensued as the huntsmen worked hard to keep their packs to hand.

From four legs to four wheels, and the ever-popular Classic Car Run. With the cars judged before they set out on the run, the Best Turned Out pre-1970 class went to a 1961 Morris Minor Convertible owned by Debbie Revell. The 1970-2000 winner was a 1995 MG RV8, owned by Marcel Beatty. As usual there was also a great array of both vintage tractors and modern farming machinery, meaning there was something to appeal to any petrol-head.

Every year there are awards for the best tradestands. With plenty to chose from, Molo Rose Crafts took the win here, with products designed by 12-year-old Emma Howe. Molo is Xhosa for Hi/Hello and Emma is raising money to go to South Africa and Eswatini with World Challenge and her school. March Hare was the reserve and Harborough Honey the best newcomer, with a loyalty award for Big Boots UK and the best charity stand that of EMIC (East Midlands Immediate Care Scheme).

This year’s Children’s Art Competition involved children from Hallaton, Bringhurst and Church Langton schools who were given a theme of Young Farmers to celebrate the Leicestershire and Rutland YFC’s 80^th anniversary. With the tricky task of judging, given the fabulous entries, artist Katie Cardew chose, among other winners, Harry Vaughan and Annabelle Sheridan.

Main arena attractions the Jez Avery Stunt Show and 4 Strides Barrel Racing drew the crowds, as did the annual terrier racing, sheep shearing, tug-of-war and bale rolling competitions.

Everyone who comes to the show, in whatever capacity, makes Blaston Show what it is – a family friendly, fun, entertaining day in beautful countryside, all the while supporting rural life and making thousands of pounds for local charities. Next year’s show date is Sunday 29^th June.