The countdown is on – 40 days to go!

This year’s show takes place on Sunday 25th June, and we are looking forward to welcoming competitors, visitors and exhibitors for an action packed family day out. The new, larger venue proved a huge success last year; just outside Slawston on Langton Road, between Market Harborough and Uppingham, the postcode is LE16 7FA.

The show again incorporates the Blaston Hound Show, and both terrier racing and the ever-popular Dog Show will be back, with classes for all dogs from Kennel Club registered to Heinz 57 varieties. Entries are taken on the day.

There are numerous cattle and sheep classes, including those for young handlers. Blaston Show makes up part of the Heart of England Cattle Championship, alongside Kenilworth and Blakesley Shows. Exhibitors will be awarded points for top five placings, the exhibitor with the most points at the end of the three shows awarded prize money. Entries should be made in advance.

Advance booking for the wide range of equine classes is recommended but entries can be made on the day. This Show is affiliated to Equifest, taking place at Arena UK, Grantham on the 2nd – 5th August 2023. Two entrants in each affiliated class will qualify.

There will be traditional hunter and showing classes, including Working Hunter, Ridden Hunter, and Mountain and Moorland to name a few, and the usual array of show jumping competitions – something to suit all ages and abilities. The Fancy Dress is open to everyone, with or without a pony. New for 2023 are classes for both in hand and ridden heavy horses.

This year the show welcomes The Rearsby Lodge Riding Club Quadrille team. Formed in 2016 and currently coached and commanded by retired Cavalry Officer David Boyd, the team is displaying at Aylesford, Blaston, Ashby and Hartpury shows this season. Later in the afternoon five steam engines will take to the main arena.

A stunning variety of vintage cars and tractors will be on display, many of the cars having taken part in the morning’s 30 mile Classic Car Run which starts at The Fox Inn at Hallaton and finishes in the Main Ring at the showground. In sharp contrast, cutting edge farming technology will also be well represented.

Every year Blaston Show raises significant amounts of money for nominated charities. For 2023 the primary beneficiaries are Macmillan Cancer Support (Market Harborough Group) and East Midlands Immediate Care Scheme. Both very worthy causes.

Tickets can be bought online or on the gate, which opens at 8am on the day. Entrance costs from £5 for 13-16 year olds (12 and under are free) to £12.50 for over 16s. However, Blaston Membership is also available at £30 for two adults and two children – with plenty of member benefits, including free entry to the pre-show party on 23rd June. New members are warmly welcomed, application forms can be found on the website.