Counting down the days to the North Devon Show
It’s very nearly time for one of the most popular outdoor events of the year. The North Devon Show will return to the familiar surroundings of Barton Farm, Umberleigh on Wednesday 2nd August.
This year’s Show features a spectacular line up of entertainment, including the breath-taking skills of the Squibb motocross stunt show and Jonathan Marshall’s stunning display of horsemanship and falconry. There is also a new Exmoor Pony display, the ever-popular circus, fairground rides, laser clay pigeon shooting, vintage car and tractor displays, livestock classes, pig displays, equestrian events, a dog show, horticultural show, music stage, a crafts and gifts marquee, numerous trade stands, all the usual main-ring activities, and the return of the food hall marquee.
Show Secretary Theresa Soanes said, ‘There is a keen sense of anticipation building, both with exhibitors and the visiting public. There has been a phenomenal response to the success of last year’s Show with all Cattle, Sheep and Equestrian entries exceeding numbers 12 months ago. We have implemented extra vehicle lanes for livestock and traders access, developed better communications both before and on Show day, and generally done everything we can think of to make getting to the Showground a smoother experience for all.’
Last year the Show suffered the perfect storm for traffic delays, with management of access not as good as it should have been, additional delays and road works on approach routes, and an early morning accident at Umberleigh Bridge, all of which contributed to additional delays. Theresa Soanes added, ‘This year, we have asked all the relevant local authorities to work closely with us, and they have stepped forward to help us implement a number of changes. We’ll have better signage and parking management, improved traffic management at Umberleigh Bridge and various sets of temporary traffic lights will be removed, such as those currently in place at Bishops Tawton. Of course, when you are trying to get upwards of 20,000 people into a relatively small area people expect a reasonable amount of time to be taken, but last year was unacceptable, so we’ve addressed as many issues as we can. Everyone is now looking forward to a very special day, advance ticket sales are going well and those in possession of them can use the free bus travel which drops you off right at the entrance. I really would like to thank all our sponsors who have been so supportive and without whom we’d have struggled to fund the extra work needed to make the Show such a success.’
Advance tickets are still available. For further information see www.northdevonshow.com
