Devon County Show - The Devon County Show unveils this year’s line-up

The Devon County Show on May 19-21 will continue to offer everyone a great day out while staying true to its farming roots.

That’s the message of this year’s Devon lunch to launch the Show on Wednesday (May 4) when the packed line-up of features and entertainment will be unveiled to local journalists and editors.

Show Secretary Ollie Allen said: “The profile of the farming and food sector has never been higher or more positive in recent years than it is at present and that is reflected in a County Show which will be richer than ever in farming interest.

“We will be debating the challenge of boosting food production by 40 per cent over in the next 20 years, looking at opportunities offered by the renewable energy agenda and there will be the chance to see the latest in dairy technology and farm machinery and equipment.”

Livestock entries are also coming in thick and fast, with sheep numbers on a par with last year and cattle entries set to show an increase.

Ollie added: “The County Show continues to innovate; there are new features for visitors to enjoy and always something new to do and see.”

The BIG Devonshire Cream Tea – a new marquee devoted to celebrating and enjoying the iconic Devon Cream Tea. The feature is a collaboration between Langage Farm (clotted cream); Richard Hunt, executive chef of the Grand Hotel, Torquay (scones); Devonshire Teas; and sponsored by Tesco. During the County Show the team will make an unofficial attempt on the world record for the largest Devon Cream Tea – they’re aiming for a scone 8ft in diameter. They are also pressing the case to secure Protected Designation of Origin status for the Devon Cream Tea.

The County Show will welcome a number of celebrities including Kirstie Allsopp, Devon resident and TV star. She will be filming a programme in her new craft series for Channel 4 at the County Show. Her theme is food and drink and she will be holding a tea party competition on Friday afternoon.

Britain’s favourite farmer, Adam Henson, is spending the day at the County Show and is sure to be a popular figure with farmers as well as general Show visitors. He will be judging the Spring Sausage Competition and he is sure to visit the prestigious National Show for Devon Red Rubies – a great honour as well as attracting well over 100 beautiful examples of the breed.

Exmouth Town is returning to the County Show with another exuberant feature. There will be a beach, lots of entertainment and a three day long New Year’s Eve party when exhibitors will be wearing fancy dress costumes.

Picture caption: from left to right, Mervyn Hosking, Chief Excutive, Devon County Agricultural Association (DCAA); John Lee, DCAA Chairman of Council; Ollie Allen, Show Secretary, Devon County Show; John Maunder, DCAA Chairman of Board of Management.

Picture courtesy of Alan Quick, Crediton Country Courier 

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