THERE’S an old adage which suggests that during the first week of August, all roads lead to Turriff.
With around 40,000 people heading for the annual Turriff Show, which takes place on Sunday and Monday, it may well feel that the world and his wife are making tracks for the largest two-day agricultural show in Scotland.
The show has been running for as long as anyone can remember – this year it celebrates its 144th anniversary. With more than a century of experience behind them, organisers know by now what makes a good family day out, as the packed programme of events reveals.
For those interested in livestock, it’s a show not to be missed with top livestock producers and horse and pony exhibitors in attendance, while the National Aberdeen Angus Cattle Show and a special Charollais Sheep Show have been rescheduled to take place at the Turriff Show this year.
Sunday is devoted to horses and ponies, goats, rabbits, cavies and an open dog show. Around 700 horse and pony entries and 500 dog entries are expected. There are more than 250 trade stands, including a food fayre, indoor shopping and lifestyle marquees, craft stands and an area specifically designated to the forestry industry.
There are also competitive sections for horticulture, home-based crafts, open and companion dog shows.
But for many a visitor, it’s the extensive ringside entertainment programme they come to see. On Sunday the programme gets off to a cracking start at 1.15pm with a driving competition for horses and ponies. For those who like their action fast and furious, it’s ideal. A grand parade of horses, ponies and donkeys follows at 2.15pm.
Horses feature once more in the next act at 3pm, in a jousting stunt team known as the Knights of the Damned. The team is led by television and film stuntman Justin Pearson, who has appeared as a stunt double in a host of blockbuster movies including this summer’s must-see movie, Mama Mia, as well as Harry Potter and The Order of The Phoenix, Star wars – Attack of the Clones, and The Da Vinci Code.
Justin and the team’s jousting display is a high-speed colourful spectacle the whole family will enjoy, with stunts to make you gasp, awesome fire weapons and lots of knight-mounted galloping horses.
The four-footed action continues at 3.30pm, when members of the Sled Dog Welfare charity take centre stage. The charity helps breeds including Siberian huskies, Alaskan malamutes and samoyeds, many of whom end up in welfare schemes when owners discover they there’s more to these strong breeds than they perhaps first thought.
Traditional events such as a tug o war competition, adult and children’s races, a pet parade, a strong man display from local powerhouse Steven Evans who will attempt to break a few world records; a second appearance by the knights and a display of more than 120 superb vintage vehicles round off Sunday’s proceedings.
Monday is the main day for cattle, sheep, Clydesdale horses and poultry. There is also a companion dog show with pedigree and novelty classes – so there’s no excuse for not bringing along man’s best friend.
Monday’s ringside programme features Highland Dancing, the North of Scotland Open Junior Jumping Qualifier, show jumping, Clydesdales and return visits from the sled dogs, strong man, racing sheep and jousting knights.
Children’s and adult races will take place both days, with a free packet of sweets for every child taking part, and good prize money up for grabs for those fleet-footed runners to cross the line first.
No Turra show would be complete without music and visitors can look forward to hearing accomplished performances from a host of musicians including the Turriff Silver Band, the marching Criterion Parade Jazz Band from Edinburgh and the Turriff and District Pipe Band.
Special guests include the Tamana Pioneers Steel Orchestra from Trinidad. Pop fans aren’t forgotten about either as two young up-and-coming bands, Avoid the Morning from Aberdeen and Vertical Farming from Edinburgh let rip in the bandstand.
The show takes place at the Showground on Turriff’s Queens Road. Gates open at 7am both days.
Tickets are priced at £10 for adults, and £8 for senior citizens, students and children aged 14 and over. Entry is free under 14s. For further details log on to www.turriffshow.org