THE biggest two-day agricultural show in Scotland is almost upon us, but don’t worry if you don’t know your Texel from your Blue-faced Leicester – there are many other ways to have fun at the Turriff Show.
Show secretary Bruce Ferguson is keen to make this clear ahead of the famous farming extravaganza.
“It’s not just about agriculture like some of the shows are. We have so much more on offer here at Turriff,” he said.
“We have shopping and food and entertainment – there really is something for everyone.”
Last year, a record 40,000 visitors thronged through the turnstiles at The Haughs, but organisers are not in the least bit daunted about going one better this year.
Bruce said: “We have more people involved and more stand-holders, and we truly believe we can get the same numbers as last year, especially if we get the good weather.”
Organisers are also thrilled to be hosting a first for Turriff this year – the Scottish National Simmental Show – and believe it will prove a real boon to visitor numbers.
Across the board, organisers are delighted with the overall 4,400 entries, with 450 cattle and 450 sheep due to face the panel of judges.
One of the show’s most spectacular sights is sure to be the grand parade of horses and ponies on Sunday afternoon, which this year has a record-breaking 800 entries.
Also not to be missed, on Monday, will be the grand parade of prizewinning cattle and Clydesdale horses – hailed as one of the best displays of livestock in Scotland.
Show secretary Bruce Ferguson said: “That’s what the show is all about – the parade of horses and ponies on the Sunday followed by the prizewinning livestock on Monday.
“These events are what really draw a lot of people.”
There will also be 300 trade stands, a renowned food fair, indoor shopping mall, exhibition hall with “lifestyle theme”, a special forestry area, funfair and hundreds of home-based craft exhibits.
Top entertainment will also draw crowds to the main arena on both days including sulky-trot events – a form of harness racing featuring a lightweight, two-wheeled cart – and high-octane stunt riding from The Devil’s Horsemen Wild West Show.
Another perennial favourite will be the sheep show and, as well as daily performances, Kiwi sheep-shearer Stuart Barnes will be lining up his woolly friends for a sheep race in the main arena each day.
Car enthusiasts are also promised a real treat when one of the largest vintage vehicle displays in Scotland, featuring more than 150 models, makes its way round the ring from 6pm on Sunday.
To top it off, there will be plenty of other traditional Scottish pursuits on offer, including a ringside parade by Turriff and District Pipe Band, Highland dancing and a tug o war competition for members of the Young Farmers’ Clubs.
Turriff Show takes place at the Haughs on Sunday and Monday. Admission is £12 for adults, with under-14s going free, and £10 for students and concessions, with a £2 car park charge. For more information visit www.turriffshow.org