John Toal will be broadcasting the Saturday Magazine programme live from this year’s Castlewellan Show on Sat 19th July. The Radio Ulster van will be parking up and interviewing show visitors and competitors as well as featuring live music from the Soma Festival.
Preparation of the grounds is well under way and the dry weather to date will ensure a good surface for over plenty of trade stands. With dog agility, show jumping, cattle, sheep, goats, poultry, rabbits, pigs and home industries spread across fifty acres we are all set to offer a great day out for all the family. There is a real focus this year on enabling children to get close to a range of animals with kid goats, lambs, NI Rabbit Club, alpacas as well as an array of livestock. Visitors will get a chance to try out felt making, weaving, straw making and watch the blacksmith and cookery demonstrations. The County Down Young Farmers are set to entertain the crowds with tug of war, tractor driving and water games.
This year there is a new fashion marquee with Target Dry outdoor and fashion clothing and the WI will be running the vintage tea tent with traybakes galore. Judges including our Show Patron celebrity journalist Karen Patterson will be circulating for the Show’s Best Dressed Lady and Best Dressed Gentlemen. There is a small pet competition with entries on the day.
There are over 440 entries for the show jumping classes but riders can still enter the unaffiliated jumping competition on the day which is organised by Mossvale Riding Club. The Agribarn Search for a Young Horse championship has attracted a high calibre field and the Ridden and Working Hunter classes have increased this year.
Castlewellan Show is renowned for the quality of livestock entries and this year will play host to a number of prestigious finals including Hampshire Down National Championship as well as the Blonde Calf championship, NISA Final of the Junior Bull Championship and the British Blue Young Bull event. Cattle entries are strong with sheep entries up on previous years. A new section on rabbits has proved popular and poultry entries continue to grow. The goats will be occupying their usual location and the two day competition has been retained. The pig section offers an opportunity to see some of the rare breeds and less familiar pigs
In access of 120 dogs will be competing dog agility classes, so bring a seat along and grab a good spot beside the ring. Then head over to the Home Industries tent where you can peruse the 800 entries in home baking, jams, crafts, photography, art and the scarecrows. If all that makes you thirsty you can have a tea and scone in the Save The Children vintage tea tent or a stronger tipple at the Heineken bar.
The Show appreciates the ongoing support from Down District Council and aims to attract people from throughout the island to enjoy the Mournes region. The Show runs all day, admission is £10 for adults, £5 for Young Farmers (with their card), Under 16s go free and there is no charge for parking. For a full list of trade stands and attractions, go to the website www.castlewellanshow.com
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