Thousands of people are expected to attend this year’s Perth Show, with its organisers claiming it will be “bigger and better” than ever.
The 155th agricultural, equestrian, food and fun extravaganza takes place at Perth’s South Inch on August 4 and 5.
More than 1,200 head of livestock will compete in 340 classes while other show supporters will vie for prizes in cooking and handcraft.
Trade stands, sideshows, entertainment, activities, music and parades will add to the vibrancy of the annual crowd pleaser.
Visitor numbers should be boosted by the announcement that the event has secured a prestigious double by hosting two national cattle shows – the second National Highland Cattle Gathering and the Scottish National Simmental Show.
Peter Stewart, chairman of Perth Show, said securing the two national cattle shows in the one year was a “terrific achievement.”
“Both will bring business to the city and crowds to Perth Show, with many involved opting to stay locally for the whole weekend,” he said.
“The organisers of both these gatherings have chosen the Perth Show because they know we host such events extremely well and we’re delighted to welcome them as a key part of this year’s offering.”
The two-day extravaganza will also feature show jumping, champion farriers in action, sheep shearing demonstrations, kids’ activity centres and food and drink.
Perth Show’s festival partner Perthshire on a Plate will include celebrity chefs Jean-Christophe Novelli and Nick Nairn, the parade of champions, vintage vehicles, pipe band, pet competition, craft stands, Scottish Women’s Institutes’ showcase competitions and agricultural and commercial trade stands.
The programme on August 4 will also include a rare gathering of Scotland’s entire World Championship-winning farrier team with manager, farrier Jim Balfour from Tealing.
Meanwhile, the Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET) will offer a range of hands-on activities for children throughout the two days, including a lambing simulator, an oilseed rape press and the ever-popular Daisy – the milking cow.
RHET will also host some Scottish beekeepers complete with their live observation hive and craft activities.
Show secretary Neil Forbes added: “Perth Show attracts thousands of visitors each year.
“This year’s show will continue to feature many of the traditional aspects of agricultural shows, valued by generations of farmers, as well as the new and exciting visitor attractions.
“The two-day event promises lots to see and do – whether it be pouring over the latest state-of-the-art agricultural machinery, admiring the finest four-legged competitors, watching a celebrity chef in action, trying your hand on a challenging sideshow, enjoying hospitality at one of the many trade and business stands or stopping for a tasty bite or a brew at the food marquee.
“Our two-day festival will draw to a close with the show’s ceilidh in the park’.”
He continued: “Perth Show is so much more than just a day out for the farmers. This year’s event is bigger and better than ever.”
