Wales’ largest county agricultural show, which takes place this month, promises it will have something for everyone.
Pembrokeshire County Show takes place on 16 and 17 August at Pembrokeshire County Showground in Haverfordwest.
Visitors to the show can enjoy listening to the all-day entertainment from the music stage, marvel at the livestock classes, be wowed by the showjumping, explore the horticulture, arts and crafts area and shop until they drop.
Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society is pulling out all the stops to make the two-day show an amazing experience. The Country Market shopping area will be larger than ever before, with 60 stalls selling unique, local, artisan products. There will also be the return of the Food Hall, sponsored by Castell Howell, showcasing wonderful Welsh produce, producers and innovators, as well as cookery demonstrations.
Society President Brian Jones said: “We are very excited about the prospect of seeing our wonderful members, competitors, trade stands, sponsors and community coming together once again for the show. Whether you're a Pembrokeshire local or visiting we're sure you'll have a fantastic day out. This year's show is jam-packed with great attractions and events. There really is something for everyone. Thousands of visitors are expected to see some of the best livestock, taste fabulous local food and drink, experience country life and enjoy a wealth of entertainment.”
Every day, there will be live entertainment from the Pure West Radio stage. Together with broadcasting live from the show both days there will be live music, choirs, special guests, competitions, workouts, arts, dance and performances.
There will be trade stands that hail from all corners of the UK and Ireland to explore. Vintage vehicles display, Andrew Holmes’ Funfair, Pembrokeshire Food Court, Craft & Horticulture, eggs and pigeon show, cattle on the Wednesday, Children’s calf showing, Children’s equine ring, sheep and pigs showing on the Thursday, horses both days including showjumping competition and the exciting final of the Arena Eventing and two Dog Agility arenas.
There’s always an emphasis on great Welsh produce, celebrating the show’s ethos of ‘field to fork’. Visitors will be able to visit the Food Hall which will showcase wonderful Welsh produce and local food innovators and enjoy watching cookery demonstrations. There will also be a food court for visitors to enjoy a range of food on the go.
Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society’s successful Food Story volunteers will be on hand with a fantastic display for children to visit and learn where their food comes from. Alongside the Food Story Zone, the Panic Circus Big Top, with loads of FREE fun and games for all the family.
In the Countryside Park, there will be BASC Wales displays by gun dogs and retrievers; Canine displays by specialist search and detection dogs; live talks and demonstrations timetabled throughout the day by Old Park Apiaries, beekeeping/honey production/pollinator support. There will also be a chance to try your hand in the BASC Air Rifle target shooting range, learn about the British Bird of Prey Centre, White tailed Eagle project and watch their exciting falconry displays.
New to the arena at the Countryside Park, internationally renowned sheepdog handler Meirion Owen will be explaining the inspiring role these intelligent iconic dogs play alongside the shepherds of Wales. Expert gardening advice will be available from the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society’s own community gardens project, run by the Parc Helyg team. Fruit tree information comes from Llanblathian Orchards, with more growing advice from Haygrove Garden Tunnels.
The Community Zone will bring together a number of voluntary and community groups giving advice, supporting those in need or providing training and volunteering opportunities. Coordinated by Pembrokeshire Association of Voluntary Services (PAVS), the marquee is an opportunity for organisations who might not normally be able to have a presence at the show - to promote their activities in Pembrokeshire.
Getting around at an agricultural show can sometimes be difficult, however at the Pembrokeshire County Showground there is a good network of tarmac pathways, making conditions underfoot easier for visitors with limited mobility. Parking is available for Blue Badge holders and there will be disabled toilets courtesy of Pembrokeshire College. Mobility scooters and wheelchairs hire are available to hire from Advanced Mobility Solutions: visit the website www.pembsshow.org for bookings.
To get to the showground using a SatNav, use the following address: County Showground, Withybush, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, SA62 4BW. The show is signposted from the main A40 trunk roads. Please look for the 'P' signs for public parking.
Dogs are very welcome at the show, provided they bring their responsible owners with them! Dog drinking bowls are available around the showground. Dogs must be kept on leads.
Early bird reduced priced tickets are available on the website. For up-to-date details of this year’s event, follow Pembrokeshire County Show on facebook, twitter or Instagram.